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John Iouis Waters & Co. 

PATENT ATTORNEYS 



WARDERBUILDING WASHINGTON.D, 




Copyright, 1915, 3d Edition 



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DAVID PELTON MOORE 



DAVID PELTON MOORE 

A Sketch by R. C. M. Hastings 

President, The International Telephone Co., of Columbus, Ohio. 

DAVID PELTOX MOORE was born in Washington, 
November 5, 1877. His earlier studies were begun in the 
Washington Public Schools, where he displayed a marked 
leaning toward mathematics and mechanics. 

Graduating from the graded schools he was admitted to and 
studied technical work at the Central High School. 

Ha%'ing completed his preliminary education, he longed for an 
opportunity to delve further into the study of mechanics, elec- 
tricity, and chemistry, and decided to take up, in conjunction 
therewith, the study of law and more particularly patent law. 

He thereupon entered The Columbian University at Washington, 
from which he graduated in 1897 as Bachelor of Laws and in 1899 
as Master of Patent Laws. 

On consulting his instructors and friends in the legal profession, 
and after deliberate self-counsel, he decided to at once take up 
active practice before the LT. S. Patent Office. Accordingly, in 
1-899, upon being found to fulfill in every way the necessary re- 
quirements of the Patent Office and upon being highly recom- 
mended by the late Walter S. Cox, Justice of the Supreme Court 
of the District of Columbia, and others, he was duly registered 
as a patent attorney. 

From 1899 to 1910 IVlr. Moore was actively engaged in caring 
for an extensive practice secured as a result of his exceptional 
ability in the preparation and prosecution of applications for 
patent. Many of the cases entrusted to him were of a compli- 
cated and delicate nature requiring the most expert skill and 
knowledge of the intricacies of patent procedure. 

On two occasions he was obliged to go abroad in the interests 
of his clients, and while there became thoroughly familiar wdth 
conditions relating to patent procedure in the various foreign 
countries, and the exploiting of companies for the promotion of 
foreign patents. 

From 1911 to 1915 Mr. Moore was associated with one of the 
largest and oldest firms of patent attorneys in the country and 
was entrusted with the handling of many of their most difficult 
and important cases. 

Early in January, 1915, he became a member of and assumed 
the active management of the patent firm of John Louis Waters 
& Company in order to further assist them in their worthy effort 
to render to inventors the most valuable and efficient service 
possible in the preparation and prosecution of their applications 
for patent. 

It is doubtful if a better man could be found to direct and super- 
intend the technical and professional work of any patent-law firm, 
and those inventors who are fortunate enough to place their 
patent matters in the hands of John Louis Waters & Company are 
assured of more than ordinary service, as every case, large or 
small, whether the inventor be the president of a large manu- 
facturing concern or the humblest, honest shop worker, at some 
stage in its progress receives the personal attention of David 
Pelton Moore. 



John Louis Waters & Company 



INTRODUCTION 

INVENTION is the axis around which the business, progress, 
and civihzation of the world revolves. 
It is the purpose of this book to convey to inventors and to 
the public at large a valuable collection of facts and information 
on the subject of invention,, to the end that interest in invention 
may be further stimulated, and its inestimable value to the 
world at large more fully realized. 

Incidentally, we aim to acquaint inventors and patentees 
with the great work we are doing and the valuable service we 
are in position to render them in the proper handling of their 
patent causes, both before the U. S. Patent Office and the courts. 

Unfortunately, few inventors have awakened, until too late, 
to a true realization of the value of a good patent and the im- 
portance of placing all patent matters in the hands of a good 
attorney who is thoroughly competent and capable of handling 
all of the technical and professional details in connection there- 
with. 

It is, and always has been, our aim to render the highest 
grade of service to a few rather than inferior service to a multi- 
tude, and there is perhaps no firm of patent attorneys better 
able to promptly and properly prosecute all manner of patent 
causes than ourselves, as is evidenced by the success we have 
met with in prosecuting cases on which other attorneys have 
failed completely. 

In order to efficiently master the intricacies of the practice of 
patent procedure, one's entire time and education must be 
devoted to its study; the intricacies must be a second nature 
with him, to be subsequently supplemented by the study of law. 
Mr. Moore and his associates fuffill these requirements to the 
letter. Our entire corps of assistants, both in and out of our 
office (including experts in patent law, mechanics, electricity, 
chemistry, etc., draftsmen, designers, and searchers or exam- 
iners) has been selected with great care and with the sole pur- 
pose of procuring the best talent obtainable. 

Our Offices 

We are located in the city of Washington, D. C, where the 
entire patent business of the United States and the working 
of the Federal Government are transacted, therefore we are in 
a position to give more prompt and effective service than 
attorneys located remote from Washington. A number of the 
members and assistants of our firm enjoy a large personal 
acquaintance with the official staff of examiners of the United 



1 



JAN 19 1916 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 5 

States Patent Office. The possible worth and advantage of this 
to our cUents cannot be estimated too highly, as personal argu- 
ments and interviews with the examiners, whicii often forms a 
part of our daily routine procedure in patent prosecutions, some- 
times enables us to produce results that might never be attained 
by any amount of correspondence (which is the usual and neces- 
sary course pursued by out-of-town practitioners), so that it 
takes us much less time than is required by attorneys outside of 
Washington to effect results for our clients. Our offices are 
directly opposite the United States Patent Office, so that we 
are enabled to get in direct touch with the various divisions at 
a moment's notice, thereby expediting the causes which have 
been entrusted in our care by our clients, thus enabhng us to 
subserve with promptness and zeal their great work. Our 
reputation and the good will of our clients are the most valu- 
able assets w^e have, so we make every endeavor with earnest- 
ness to render punctual and efficient service. 

Delays in Patent Matters Often Dangerous 

If you have already invented a device, process, or formula 
we consider it our duty to impress upon you the probable 
danger incident to any delay, no matter of how short duration, 
in the preparation and filing of your application for patent in 
the United States Patent Office. Many valuable inventions 
and their probable proceeds have been lost to their inventors by 
a delay in the filing of their applications, as such delays have 
permitted unscrupulous persons, who have gained a knowledge 
of such inventions, to procure patents and reap the benefits 
from inventions which do not belong to them. This delay has 
also permitted inventors who conceived their inventions after 
the conception by the original inventors to procure patents 
and thus probably defeat the issuance of patents to the original 
inventors. Do not delay the filing of your application, but lay 
your case before us at once. 

Importance of Properly Protecting Your Invention 

A further aim of this book is to impress upon you the im- 
portance of properly protecting your invention; that is, your 
patent should issue upon claims which will protect your inven- 
tion and not upon claims which will permit a slight change in 
the invention to evade the patent. An invention which is 
properly protected will permit you to sue and procure damages 
from any person who manufactures your invention or device 
substantially the same. The Supreme Court of the United 
States (case Topliff vs. Tophff, 1892), in an opinion by Mr. 



John Louis Waters & Company 



Justice Brown, makes this statement: "The specification and 
claim of a patent, particularly if the invention be at all compli- 
cated, constitute one of the most difiicult legal instruments to 
draw with accuracy, and in view of the fact that valuable inven- 
tions are often placed in the hands of inexperienced persons to 
prepare such specifications and claims, it is no matter of sur- 
prise that the latter frequently fail to describe with requisite 
certainty the exact invention of the patentee, and err either in 
claiming that which the patentee had not in fact invented or 
in omitting some element which was a valuable or essential 
part of his actual invention." This comment from the high- 
est tribunal in the United States should preclude inven- 
tors from placing or entrusting their business in the 
hands of inexperienced attorneys. The inventor should 
make QUALITY, not quantity or price, his first consideration 
in the selection of an attorney. 

Our Relation to the Inventor 

The relation we bear to inventors is in many ways similar to 
that of a doctor to his patient. 

As patent attorneys, it is our duty to give our best counsel 
and advice to inventors on any subjects pertaining to the prepa- 
ration and prosecution of applications for patents, trade-marks, 
copyrights, etc., before the Patent Oflfice and the courts, like- 
wise to advise them on matters pertaining to their rights as 
employer or employee, assignee or assignor, and all technical 
and professional details connected with their respective cases. 

Throughout this book we have reproduced with just pride a 
few of the many letters received by us from ACTUAL CLIENTS 
of our firm who have entrusted their patent causes and their 
money to us and whose letters clearly indicate the high opinion 
they have of us and of the service we have rendered them. 

Should you so desire we will gladly send you the name and 
address of one or more of our clients in or near your locality 
with whom you may confer direct as to our ability and reliability. 

We also suggest that you inquire of your Senator or Repre- 
sentative in Congress as to our firm. 

Upon the good will and success of our clients depends our 
continued success and we earnestly solicit any patent business 
you may have at this or some future date with the assurance 
that your interests will be our interests and our one desire will 
be to serve you promptly, faithfully, and to your entire satis- 
faction. 

John Louis Waters & Company, 

Patent Attorneys Warder Bldg., Washington, D. C. 



Confidence 



EVERY great success in every line is based upon 
confidence. No concern can long exist which 
has not won and, through rendering satisfac- 
tory service, held the confidence of those doing business 
with it. 

No patent attorney can hope to reach the pinnacle of 
success until he has first gained the confidence of his 
clients by faithfully serving and guarding their interests 
as though they were his very own. 

No inventor can hope to secure the best results in 
any patent case unless he has confidence in his inven- 
tion and the utmost confidence in the attorney whom 
he selects to fight his battles and win his case. 

We are proud to say that the steady and substantial 
growth of our practice in prosecuting cases before the 
United States Patent Oflice is in a large measure due 
to the confidence reposed in us by those inventors who 
having once entrusted their cases into our hands are 
still doing so and advising others to do likewise. 

To serve you well and to the best of our ability is 
our aim, to the end that we may earn the reward we 
seek — ^Your Confidence. 



John Louis Waters & Company 



PART ONE 

Patent Profits and Possibilities 



(6 



NECESSITY is the Mother of Invention," and it is the 
constant need of and demand for new inventions, and 
improvements upon old ones, which causes invention to 
be recognized as one of the most profitable lines of endeavor 
today. 

That the demand really exists is indicated by the fact that 
approximately five hundred patents are issued each week by the 
United States Patent Office, and the records show that a large 
percentage of these patents, or interests therein, are assigned 
or sold to manufacturers, investors, and others. 

What Others Have Done 

No other nation can boast of the genius that adorns the 
pages of American inventive history and to which this country 
owes, more than to any other element, its rank as a manufac- 
turing and commercial nation. Many of the men who endowed 
this country with their genius were mechanics and other persons 
obliged to work for day's wages, and in not a few instances the 
ideas evolved from their brains resulted in the reward of enor- 
mous fortunes. 

Jenne and C. L. Sholes are largely responsible for the develop- 
ment of the modern writing machines. Sholes, though originally 
a mechanic, died rich. 

Mergenthaler, who at one time was an expert mechanic, 
received millions from the Linotype Typesetting Machine 
which he invented and which is now used all over the world. 
It still produces enormous profits annually. 

• <^ ^ ^ <^ ^ * WHAT TO IjYVTENT ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ 

In presenting the following suggestions to inventors, we make no pre- 
tense whatever, nor would we wish inventors to understand that no patents 
have been granted in the classes named. What is particularly wanted are 
devices which in themselves possess superior merits to those in common use. 

1. An automatic self -inking proof roller. 

2. Devices for conveniently keeping record of telephone messages sent. 

3. White indelible ink, for marking black clothing, would find a ready 
sale. 

4. A practical self -inking typewriting machine, dispensing with carbon 
ribbons. 

5. A blotting substance of increased absorbent nature which is better 
than blotting paper. 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 9 

L. C. Crowell, who invented valuable improvements in 
printing machinery, was at one time a wage-earner. Had it 
not been for his paper folding machinery the present enormous 
editions of bulky newspapers might not have been possible. 

George D. Burton sold an interest in his process of electrically 
welding metals under water for the sum of $100,000. He, too, 
started out as a mechanic. 

Another who has become rich from Patent Royalties is Alex. 
P. Morrow, a former mechanic who invented the coaster brake 
for bicycles which now bears his name. 

F. A. Flannigan had a little jewelry shop in Washington, 
but at length he developed a method of cleaning oil wells by 
dropping an electric stove down into them. Formerly when 
wells became choked with paraffin they were cleaned by explod- 
ing nitro-glycerin cartridges, a costly method and risky. The 
electric-stove process is cheap and can do no damage. It made 
the inventor a very rich man. 

Robert Bruce, inventor of type-casting machines, was born 
in New York. Previous to his invention the casting of type was 
a hand process, by which fifteen pieces per minute could be pro- 
duced. After several trials he devised an improved machine 
which produced one hundred and forty pieces per minute. 
This machine is now in use by all of the founder^^, the sale of 
patents having brought the inventor a handsome fortune. 

George M. Pullman, inventor and manufacturer of sleeping 
cars, was born in Brockton, N. Y., in 1831. He had a common- 
school education and worked in a country store. The first 
sleeping car. The Pioneer, was built in 1864. The Pullman 
Palace Car Company was organized in 1867. A few years later 
Mr. Pullman founded the town of Pullman, at a cost of 
$8,000,000, as a center for his manufacturing interests. He was 
worth in the neighborhood of $40,000,000, employing 15,000 
people, and had a yearly pay roll of $7,500,000. 

<$> ^ ^ ^ ^ WHAT TO INVENT ^ # # <^ ^ 

6. A substitute for tar or metal as a roofing material. Cheap, durable, 
and waterproof. 

7. A new and perfect artificial fuel, compounded from natural products, 
and cheaper than coal. 

8. A device for quickly and effectively cleaning hair brushes. Also toilet 
articles of general use. 

9. New systems of house heating and ventilation are in demand. No 
perfect system is yet in use. 

10. A practical automatic cut-off safety gas cock, whereby the flow of 
gas is permitted only when lighted. 

11. A process and apparatus for drawing electrical energy from the 
atmosphere and storing it for use. 



10 John Louis Waters & Company 

George Westinghouse, inventor of the air brake, was born 
at Central Bridge, N. Y., in 1864. His air brake was patented 
in 1879. By 1886 Mr. Westinghouse had taken out patents 
that extended from the front of the engine to the end of the 
rear car. He is now interested in and president of seventeen 
companies that manufacture his inventions, doing a $20,000,000- 
a-year business. 

The career of Fulton, in connection with steam navigation, 
is well known. It is scarcely necessary to speak of Benjamin 
Franklin, who first unraveled some of the mysteries of elec- 
tricity; of Elias Howe, who invented the sewing machine; 
of Cyrus H. McCormick, inventor of the harvesting machine; 
of Charles Goodyear, discoverer of the rubber combination; 
or Samuel F. B. Morse, who invented the telegraph. The 
names of Eli Whitney, inventor of the cotton gin; Thomas 
Blanchard, who patented the tack machine, and John Ericsson, 
who designed the screw propeller for vessels and invented the 
iron-clad monitor, are familiar to all. 

While many of the foregoing inventors produced machines 
of a more or less complicated nature, it must be borne in mind 
that money can be made more easily out of simple patented 
inventions. Great discoveries, like the typewriter, typesetting 
machine, air brake, etc., take so many years, and cost so much 
to perfect, that the incomes from same are small compared 
with the incomes from the aggregate field of simpler devices. 

The idea of tapering a candle at the end to make it stick 
firmly in its socket was patented by the inventor, who later 
founded the largest candle factory in the world. This is a good 
illustration of what a simple idea may be worth, if properly 
protected. The gradual development of the umbrella has pro- 
duced enormous wealth for more than one inventor. Samuel 
Fox alone, who first conceived the idea of grooving the ribs of 

"^ J 5 # <^ WHAT TO INYENT '^ J J "^ J 

12. Means for braking cars and other vehicles which will be quick-act- 
ing, and will not "flat" the wheels. 

13. A practical device for regulating incandescent electric lights which 
can be turned partly off or on like gas. 

14. Xype-setting and casting machinery on the plan of the "linotype," 
but more simple and easier in operation. 

15. Improved electrical conductor, lessening resistance to the current 
and loss thereby by leakage and radiation. 

16. A noiseless typewriting machine is greatly needed. All workers in 
modern offices will appreciate this invention. 

17. Fashionable confectioners want a box which cannot be repacked with 
confections of an inferior grade without discovery. 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 11 

an umbrella, and who designed the "Patent Paragon Frame," 
left a princely estate of $895,000. 

An invention is almost sure to be profitable if it is simple 
and useful. 

The Frenchman who invented the ball and socket fastener 
for gloves became rich as a result. The double ball clasp for 
pocket books and bags is another wonderfully successful, yet 
simple, invention. The man who conceived the idea of putting 
small pieces of cork on the nose pieces of eyeglasses now receives 
a royalty on every pair sold on which his improvement is used. 
One of the most profitable small inventions is the crimped tin 
cap for beer bottles — it is cheaper than cork and universally 
used. The patents covering the machinery for attaching the 
cap are also big money producers. The idea of making a lemon 
squeezer of glass was worth just $50,000, as the action of the 
lemon juice on the metal formerly used created a poison. A 
Washington, D. C, baker by the name of Corby is reported 
to be making $100 per day in royalties from patents on bread- 
making machinery which he invented for use in his own busi- 
ness. The inventor of the tin can which can be opened by 
striking the top a smart blow secured an initial order for 500,000 
from Armour, the packer, and is today independently wealthy. 
Two hundred thousand dollars is the amount said to have been 
earned by the automatic inkstand. The idea of applying shoe 
buttons with a metal fastener has been worth a big fortune. 
The wooden shoe peg produced $500,000. The inverted glass 
bell placed over gas jets to protect ceilings was another gold 
producer. Barbed wire fences have earned great sums — like- 
wise an ice-shaving device. Millions have been made by the 
proprietors of the "hump" on a hook to hold it fast in the eye. 
Dennison made a fortune on his idea of reinforcing the tying 
hole of a shipping tag with a small circle of pasteboard. Big 
money has been made on the little brass paper clip, patented a 

J 5 J 5 5 WHAT TO INVENT 5 J i^ 5 J 

18. A tough transparent substitute for glass, which will not crack under 
a high degree of heat, and will withstand a great strain. 

19. A perfect fire-proofing compound, which will not injure the materials 
to which it is applied, and which is safe and inexpensive. 

20. An improvement in doors similar but superior to the "revolving 
door," which has been a financial success, but has some objections. 

21. Improvements in key action, carriage movement, ribbon and other 
parts of writing machines, to cheapen the cost and enhance speed and 
accuracy. 

22. A simple cork extractor which will not break up the cork and cause 
portions of the latter to fall into the bottle will satisfy a general demand. 

23. A simple and effective coffee mill for domestic use, provided with 



12 



John Louis Waters & Company 



few years ago. Simple devices having to do with women's 
wearing apparel have been among the most profitable patents. 
For mstance, the rubber dress shield and the idea of using 
feather quills in place of the old-time whalebone in corsets. 
The suspender garter for women was sold outright for $50,000. 
Thirty thousand dollars was produced by an improvement in 
straw cutters. For several years a spring for lamp chimneys 
yielded over $50,000 annually. An invention in printing inks 
sold for $60,000. In fifteen months a grain cleaning machine 
produced $60,000 in net profit. Spaulding is said to have 
received $100,000 for his sawtooth. The cylinder savings bank 
so widely used paid its inventor $2,000 a day for several months. 
A Washington woman is reported as receiving $600 a month 
from her improved baby bib. The sad-iron, invented by Mrs 
Potts, netted over $500,000. 

The man who invented a plan for writing signatures, dates, 
footnotes, etc., on films when the picture is taken, through 
a small slot in the camera, sold his idea to the Eastman Com- 
pany for $300,000. It will probably net them milhons. 

Among the larger inventions, $900,000 was produced by the 
binder horseshoe machinery; Wright Brothers sold their U. S. 
aeroplane patents for $1,000,000. Masuary's tin can produced 
$100,000; the three big phonograph companies put out over 
$12,000,000 worth of records a year; eighty-five thousand dol- 
lars was earned on Waterman's crinoline wire; over $240,000 
on Sturtevant's shoe peg veneer; and Miller's car coupling 
and other patents have made small fortunes. 

Col. Green's drive well paid him nearly $300,000 in royalties. 
One hundred thousand dollars is the annual yield of the 
spring window shade. 

The sewing machine needle, invented by Ehas Howe, netted 
over $50,000 a year. 



^ ^ ^ <$> ^ WHAT TO INVENT ^ ^ ^ # ^ 

means for regulating the degree of fineness to which the coffee is ground. 

24. Improved machinery and apparatus for curing, stripping, and packing 
tobacco. The present methods require much space and great loss of time. 

25. Special machinery for shoe-lasting, book-binding, metal-working, and 
other purposes. Improvements upon machinery in general use are often 
very valuable. 

26. A safety envelope that cannot be opened without detection is greatly 
desired. There are some inventions in this line, but there is still room 
for improvement. 

27. An invention for holding up a lady's skirt when walking in the street 
would be highly appreciated by the ladies, especially if they are encum- 
bered with bundles. 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 13 

The harvesting machine, invented by Cyrus McCormick, 
paid him over a miUion. Goodyear's rubber vulcanizing process 
made a large fortune in royalties. Forty dollars which Isaac 
Singer borrowed to help protect his first sewing machine resulted 
in a huge business — one factory alone is said to turn out over 
10,000 machines a week. One year his net income exceeded 
$3,000,000. He died leaving an estate of $13,000,000. 

The Dunlap Pneumatic Tire Company started on a capital 
of $112,500. In two years it was sold for $15,000,000 cash. It 
was later sold to another company for $25,000,000. This is 
an illustration of the immense fortunes in well-handled patents. 

Thirty million dollars in profits was made by the Westing- 
house air brake and $36,000,000 in dividends has been paid by 
the Bell Telephone. It is claimed there are nearly 200 patents 
paying more than $1,000,000 each annually and nearly 1,000 
more paying half that sum each year. There are thousands 
paying more than $100,000 annually. According to an estimate 
by the Commissioner of Patents, it appears that from three- 
fourths to seven-eighths of the total manufacturing capital of 
the country of over $6,000,000,000 is based upon patents. The 
annual incomes of American patentees is greater than the value 
of the products of all the gold, silver, and diamond mines in the 
world. 

The development of the locomotive, steam boat, and trolley 
car has made many millionaires, and improvements in these 
and other devices are constantly in demand. 

A permanent demand exists for practical safety appliances 
of all kinds Avhich will lessen the tremendous loss of life through 
accident or carelessness. Many of the safety devices now in 
use on elevators, trains, trolleys, steamers, and elsewhere are 
big money makers. 

Enormous sums are made annually in modern improved farm 

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ WHAT TO INVENT ^ ^ ^ ^ <§> 

28. A more sensitive and accurate diaphragm for telephones, phono- 
graphs, and similar instruments, whereby the sounds produced will be 
clearer, louder, and more natural. 

29. Journals for car and other axles have been much improved, but "hot 
boxes" are still of frequent occurrence. Improved metals for anti-friction 
bearing can be patented. 

30. A preserving compound for wooden piles is desired on the Pacific 
Coast that will make piles immune from the attacks of teredos and other 
forms of destructive marine life. 

31. A washboard with soaping apparatus or means embodied therein, and 
so arranged that the soap would be applied by the action of rubbing, would 
be a profitable invention. 



14 John Louis Waters & Company 

implements and machinery of various kinds. The International 
Harvester Company, which controls many of the most 
important patents in this line, has made millions of dollars 
therefrom. 

The inventor of the cream separator probably never dreamed 
of the large fortunes that would be made on his original idea 
and improvements thereon. Today the manufacture of cream 
separators is a profitable and flourishing industry. 

Many of the popular toys and games so widely advertised 
are big money makers. "Meccano," a popular toy consisting 
of separate parts out of which all sorts of structures may be 
built, is claimed to have made $1,000,000 for its inventor, 
Frank Hornby. 

The Aeolian Company, which controls many patents on 
piano-playing devices, is perhaps the wealthiest musical con- 
cern in the world. 

How to Gain Profit by Invention 

Not everyone has inventive genius, but a multitude of persons who have 
do not give it exercise. Others mentally work out valuable devices and 
lack the energy and foresight to patent them. Many patented inventions 
have proven worth thousands of dollars for every minute of time consumed 
in their creation. 

To profit by invention one must not only create the invention, but make 
it practical, from a financial standpoint, and protect it by a patent. 

The way to invent is to study how an existing device can be made to 
better answer its purpose; or to conceive a new purpose and devise a 
mechanical means for carrying it out. The field for invention is without 
bounds or limits. There are more opportunities for originating new and 
patentable, and profitable, devices today than there have ever been before 
because it is an immutable physical law that every new condition works a 
change in other conditions requiring expedients for adapting and harmo- 
nizing one condition with another. The invention of the railway, for ex- 



^ <$> ^ ^ ^ WHAT TO INVENT ^ ^ <$> ^ <$^ 

32. Ingenious articles of utility formed of wire bent from a single piece, 
and therefore extremely cheap. This applies particularly to household and 
store fittings and simple implements. 

33. An ink bottle which will permit of the insertion of a pen point therein, 
will provide a regular depth of dip for the pen point, and will prevent the 
evaporation of ink contained in it. 

34. An improvement in printing presses to do away with the necessity 
for an elaborate make-ready. Much time is lost in overlaying and under- 
laying forms that would be saved by such a device. 

35. An invention is desired which will make a horse secure on his legs 
on slippery pavements. 

36. New construction of boats and methods of boat propelling. Some- 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 15 



ample, effected a revolution in social and industrial life throughout the 
world, and hundreds of thousands of other inventions, extending into every 
conceivable art, were a natural consequence. 

Anyone of average intelligence can determine for himself what to invent. 
He needs but to study objects entering into daily use about him. There 
is room for improvement in everything, and these improvements, if pat- 
ented, are bound to yield large money reward under good management. 
All patentable inventions are regarded by the Patent Office as improve- 
ments, for the reason that the very spirit of invention is to improve upon 
existing conditions. No doubt every reader of these lines has exclaimed, 
"Why didn't I think of it!" on seeing some simple, money-making article. 
Hundreds of such articles are patented annually. The inventors who 
"keep their eyes open," and not only think, but ACT, are justly the ones 
enriched. Ability to invent is the greatest natural endowment bestowed 
by a kind Providence. He who fails to exercise the faculty gets no re- 
ward, and, as a rule, such go through life without finding reward in any- 
thing. 

The most wonderful feature of invention is that a mere suggestion, or 
a mental hint, of some new thing, will soon assume perfection under care- 
ful thought, and this "thinking out" process is the thing needed to attain 
success. 

The inventor who does not ACT after he has "thought out" his inven- 
tion, has made a failure from the standpoint of profit. 

The first thing you should do after you have conceived an improvement 
is to write us, explaining your idea fully, and submit a sketch to enable us 
to make an examination as to patentability. If our report is favorable 
FILE AN APPLICATION AT ONCE. The chance to obtain a patent 
on a meritorious invention is a BUSINESS CHANCE OF RARE VALUE, 
but, like any other good business chance, must be promptly taken advan- 
tage of to realize that value. 

After your patent is obtained, the question as to the best way to obtain 
profit from it arises. If you are a manufacturer, or if you have had experi- 
ence in the organization of capital for the promotion of business enter- 
prises, you do not need advice. If you would sell your patent outright, 
or by territorial allotment, the following important suggestions should be 
observed: 

Have absolutely nothing to do ^vith patent selling agents, so called, 
who load your mail with their persuasive and deceptive letters and cir- 
culars as soon as your patent issues. (They get your name and address 
from the Patent Office Gazette, which circulates widely.) This warning is 
unnecessary if you have ever had dealings with these sharks, for "a burnt 

^ ^ ^ ^ <$> WHAT TO INVENT ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ 

thing better than paddle wheels or screws. Water drawn in at the bow of 
the vessel and forcibly expelled at the stern has been tried. 

37. A better type of fixed ammunition for rapid-fire guns is greatly de- 
sired. We would suggest a caseless charge compressed in the form of a 
solid cylinder and attached in some manner to the base of the projectile. 

38. A safety stirrup, one that would be so arranged by a spring or other- 
wise that instead of holding the rider's foot when a horse falls, the weight 
of the rider pulling backward or downward would cause the release of the 
foot. 

39. Why cannot a system of bundle carriers, such as are used in dry- 
goods stores, be devised for public restaurants? The advantages of such a 
system are many, and would effect a great saving of time and labor. 



16 John Louis Waters & Company 



child shuns the fire." As we cannot undertake here to expose their many 
tricks, we ask you to take our advice as it is intended — for your good — 
and SHUN them, no matter how plausible their arguments. It is a matter 
of personal gratification and pride with us to have our clients realize abun- 
dant profit from their patents; therefore, had we faith in these agencies, 
we would be eager to recommend them. 

A common dodge of the "patent selling agent" is to pretend to have 
found someone who will buy your patent if an investigation proves its 
validity, and a certain person (who is in league, of course) is recommended 
as the proper one to make the investigation, for which you must pay a good 
fee. But it is all a game and the buyer a myth. With hardly an exception 
the agency claims to demand no fee until a sale is made, getting you to sign 
a contract to that effect, yet at the next turn you are asked to send money, 
on one pretext or another. You may be asked by one of these concerns 
to advance money for the alleged purpose of advertising your invention 
in a long list of newspapers, yet very rarely is a patent sold in this way. 
To sum up our advice: Don't bite, no matter how tempting the bait. 

The value of a patent depends upon the value of the invention as a 
marketable commodity, and if the owner would financially realize upon 
this value he must himself, through his own resources or through his own 
and the resources of others, place the manufactured article on the market; 
or he must PROPERLY bring the patented invention to the notice of 
those likely to be interested, if he would sell the patent outright. Details 
of procedure for the organization of stock companies and corporations 
for the purpose of promoting a patented invention by manufacture and 
sale are too voluminous to be set forth here, but we will gladly give informa- 
tion to any inventor or patentee who will write us specifically and fully in 
regard to his case. 

The majority of inventors prefer to sell their patents for a lump sum. 
To effect the sale the inventor himself may well take the matter in hand 
or enlist the advice and executive ability of someone personally well known 
to him, or a person or firm with whom he has had dealings, and whose 
reputation for reliability is widely known. The prospective purchaser must 
have the merits of the invention called to his attention, and, next to a 
personal talk with him, we regard properly conceived correspondence as 
the best means. The correspondence ought to be strictly business in tenor 
and not burdened with immaterial matter. The patent, if procured through 
us, will clearly set forth the invention in all its details of structure and 
function. Mail a copy thereof to each person or firm addressed, and enclose 
a stamped envelope for reply. In our judgment it is not well to set a price, 
but solicit offers and accept the best, if it is reasonable. 

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ WHAT TO INYENT ^ ^ <^ <$> ^ 

40. An automobile street sweeper is also desired — one that will sweep 
the dust direct from the street into a dust bin carried by the machine where 
it could be dampened, thus causing no dust to be thrown out during its 
operation. 

41. New labor-saving means in washing, wringing, drying, and ironing 
clothes would be profitable and should have a ready sale in the market. 
Laundry improvements, when properly protected, are always appreciated 
and have a quick sale. 

42. New compositions of matter. Dyestuffs are patented in great num- 
bers, and some very valuable. Mere prescriptions cannot be patented, but 
new chemical compounds, such as phenacetin, are patentable, and often 
yield great profits. 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 17 



It is bad policy to offer a patent for sale before issue thereof. If patent 
has issued the prospective purchaser is assured that the invention is new 
and that you can give him a bona fide title. It amounts to the difference 
between offering that in which you have acquired actual title, and that in 
which your title is only prospective. 

The strongest argument, however, against attempting sale prior to issue 
is that by making your invention public you run the risk of being barred 
from the procurance of valid foreign patents, for, in the more important 
countries any public knowledge whatever of the invention prior to filing 
applications in those countries will invalidate patent, even if obtained. 

Good Patents on Good Inventions Always Salable 

A man obtained a patent for a slight improvement in straw 
cutters, took a model of his invention through the Western 
States, and after a tour of eight months returned with $40,000 
in cash, or its equivalent. 

Another invention, in about fifteen months, made sales that 
brought him $60,000, his invention being a machine to thresh 
and clean grain. A third obtained a patent for a printing ink, 
and refused $50,000, and, finally, sold it for about $60,000. 

These are ordinary cases of minor inventions embracing no 
very considerable inventive powers, and of which hundreds go 
out from the Patent Office every year. Experience shows that 
frequently the most profitable patents are those which appar- 
ently contain very little real invention, and are to a superficial 
observer of little value. 

Instances are numerous wherein the inventor has made 
several millions of dollars from his invention. The air brake, the 
sewing machine, the telephone and telegraph, all involve broad 
principles, and the original patents, as well as patents for im- 
provements, represent an aggregate value so vast as to be 
almost incalculable. The very simplest patented ideas, if novel, 
useful, or entertaining, are quick and bountiful in cash returns. 
Dr. Higgins received over $100,000 in cash royalties alone from 

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ WHAT TO INVENT ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ 

43. Improvements in apparatus for generating and using acetylene gas 
are now especially wanted. This gas has been proved a valuable illumi- 
nating medium, and simple means for safely generating and storing and 
using it are valuable. 

44. A practical crude-oil burner. There are two main lines of invention 
in this class. One is for supplying the oil mixed with steam for combus- 
tion, and the other is for turning it into vapor and mixing it with air, burn- 
ing it in that form. 

45. A motor plow that could be easily handled and operated would revo- 
lutionize existing agricultural methods. Besides the motor plow, there are 
other farm implements where the principle of the automobile could be 
applied to advantage. 




18 John Louis Waters & Company 



his United States and foreign patents for the httle thimble you 
grasp in putting your umbrella up or down; the rubber tip for 
lead pencils was equally valuable. The common lace for women's 
gloves was invented by a woman and has yielded her a vast sum. 
The metal heel plate, and the toe tip of metal, for shoes, were 
each worth over a miUion. 

In profitably disposing of patents much depends upon the 
inventor, who must see that his invention and the patent thereon 
are brought to the attention of manufacturers and others most 
hkel}^ to be interested in the purchase thereof. 

In this connection we are in position to lend valuable help 
and assistance to our inventor clients by putting them in touch 
with manufacturers and others in their respective lines. 

WiU It Pay to Secure a Patent? 

Whether or not it pays to secure a patent depends upon 
a number of things — the value of and demand for the invention, 
the "push" and perseverance of the inventor in disposing of his 
patent to a rehable manufacturer (in this connection we can be 
of great help to our clients) — and the selection of a reliable 
patent attorney to handle your case and see that your rights 
and claims are guarded and protected to the fullest extent. 

The extent of profit frequently depends as much upon the 
business capacity of the inventor, his agent or attorney, as upon 
the intrinsic merit of his invention. There is no other invest- 
ment that offers such large returns, compared to the money 
invested, as does a protective patent. 

Manufacturers are always in the market to secure protected 
substantial improvements on machinery and processes, which 
will enable them to produce their wares more cheaply, or of 
better quality, as they thereby secure a monopoly on a cheaper, 
superior, or improved article in competing for business. 

<$> <^ <^ ^ ^ WHAT TO LW'KNT ^ ^ ^ <@> <^ 

46. There is a great demand for an automatic telephone exchange, by 
means of which connections will be made automatically, greatly facilitating 
the service, and doing away with salaries of large numbers of persons usu- 
ally employed at the exchange. Recent experiments of Dr. Pupin have 
demonstrated that the Trans- Atlantic telephone is feasible. Quadruplex 
machines will also come in time, and it may be as easy to send four or five 
messages over a single wire by the telephone as it is by the telegraph now. 

47. A storm-proof cover and sun-shield for standing crops, such as choice 
garden products. A cover which is cheap and simple, and can be easily 
manipulated. Hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of crops are de- 
stroyed by the elements annually. 

48. The need of a practical spark and cinder arrester for use on railway 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 19 



We can safely and honestly say that in our opinion any patent 
secured on a new or improved invention that is in actual demand, 
or hkely to be in demand, should pay, though it is naturally 
impossible, if not against the ethics of the profession, for a 
patent attorney to predict in advance whether or not any par- 
ticular invention will pay if patented. 

The amount which a financially successful patent pays is 
generally large enough to counteract the cost of numerous 
failures and leave a handsome profit besides. 

Simplicity Not a Bair to Success 

Simplicity in an invention, provided it is combined with 
novelty and utility, is more likely to prove an aid rather than 
a bar to success. 

While it is perhaps true that the largest fortunes have been 
made on more or less complicated and intricate inventions, 
it is equally true that the fortunes made on simpler inventions 
such as the paper clip, fountain pen, metal bottle cap, etc., 
have been larger in proportion to the amount of energy, time, 
and money expended in their perfection and promotion. 

It is frequently much easier to interest capital in, or other- 
wise dispose of a more simple invention the advantages of which 
are immediately apparent and w^hich can be manufactured 
and marketed at comparatively little expense. 

You Should Study Our List of What to Invent 

If you have not already decided in what direction to turn 
your inventive ability we advise that you study carefully our 
list of "What To Invent," which will be found running through 
the pages of this book. 

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ WHAT TO INVENT . # # ^ ^ <^ 

locomotives is apparent to all who travel, as frequent fires are ignited by 
the sparks, and the cinders have a disagreeable habit of making known their 
presence in various ways. 

49. An apparatus for utilizing the great cold-producing power of liquefied 
air to cool houses in summer. The time may not be far distant when 
houses can be provided with an ice plant or cooling room which will be 
operated by simply turning on a spigot. 

50. A bottle for containing mucilage which is so constructed that when 
the brush is in place a complete closure of the upper end of the bottle will 
be effected, and which will prevent the gumming and sticking of the brush 
to the inside of the neck of the bottle. 

51. A bottle or stopper therefor so constructed as to prevent the bottle 



20 John Louis Waters & Company 



This may suggest to you some line of invention which you 
are particularly well adapted to follow and which may produce 
the most satisfactory results for you. 

If one is observant and ever watchful of his surroundings he 
can scarcely fail to conceive some new idea which if given the 
proper thought and protection may produce substantial finan- 
cial returns. 

Bear in mind always that there is scarcely a single act or 
operation which could not be performed in less time, at less 
cost, and to better advantage by a new invention or improvement 
upon an old one. Capital is always to be had for the promotion 
of a patented invention of unmistakable value. 



Growth of Civilization Demands New Inventions 

The rapid growth of civilization in this country has been 
due largely to invention. 

It is equally true that the rapid strides made in all lines of 
invention are largely due to the growth of civilization and the 
demand which is thus naturally created for new .inventions 
which will facilitate its still further growth. 

Think for a moment what important parts, in the civiliza- 
tion of the entire world, are played by the incandescent electric 
light, the telephone, telegraph, phonograph, moving picture, 
automobile, electric car, and other inventions which only a 
comparatively few years ago were scarcely known of. 

Besides the great demand for absolutely new and unheard- 
of inventions, the demand for improvements on inventions 
already patented and in every day use is enormous. 

In this connection our hst of What To Invent will be of value 
to many inventors who desire information regarding those lines 
in which improvements are most needed. 

^ ^ <$> # <$> WHAT TO INVENT ^ ^ ^ <$> <$> 

from being filled a second time. Manufacturers of proprietary compounds, 
liquors, perfumery, sauces, etc., are on the lookout for something practical 
of this kind which can be manufactured at a small cost. 

52. Another field which has not been successfully exploited is the shuck- 
ing of oysters and clams. Any simple mechanism for accomplishing this 
object would, in all probability, prove an immensely valuable invention, as 
the present hand work is necessarily slow, tedious, and expensive. 

53. Removing coke from ovens. Perhaps the most serious drawback to 
the production of coke is the apparent impossibility of removing the coke 
from the oven without cooling the oven. The process now employed of 
cooling the oven with water generates steam which affects the structure of 
the oven injuriously, and materially lessens its usefulness and durability. 



► 



Patent Attorneys, "Washington, D. C, 21 



Prizes Offered For Inventions 

It frequently happens that a concern, individual, or a city, 
State, or National Government will offer valuable prizes for 
inventions in certain lines. 

We endeavor to keep informed as to such prize offers and the 
conditions and requirements thereof and to advise our clients 
accordingly, it being our aim to assist and in every possible way 
co-operate with our clients to their best possible advantage. 



Inventions Often Best Investments 



It is an established fact that many of the largest fortunes are 
directly attributable to wise investment at the proper time in 
some meritorious patented invention. 

Those who invested in the early stages, in the Ford Automo- 
bile, the Bell Telephone, the Victor Talking Machine, the 
Mergenthaler Linotype, the Lanston Monotype, and other 
inventions too numerous to mention, have seen their original 
investments double and triple time and time again. 

The man who refuses to invest in a meritorious invention 
has only himself to blame if someone else reaps the fortune 
which might have been his. 

The inventor who has confidence in and who thoroughly 
understands his invention, but who lacks the funds necessary 
to apply for patent, should experience no great amount of 
difficulty in persuading some friend or business acquaintance 
to advance the small amount required. In fact, in doing so he 
may be conferring a favor which may result in substantial 
profits, or even great wealth to the investor. 

Successful patented inventions have made many millionaires 
and will continue to do so. 

If you have faith in your invention you should lose no time 

<^ <^ ^ <^ ^ WHAT TO INYENT <^ <^ ^ <^ <^ 

A practical process for removing the coke without cooling the oven will be 
an invention of unusual value, as it will save thousands of dollars annually 
to the coke industry. 

54. An automatic stoker to replace firemen on locomotives is sure to be 
adopted in the near future. 

55. An electric flat iron, so constructed that it could be heated by elec- 
tricity and propelled by it, but controlled by the hand of the user, would 
be a blessing to thousands of hard-working housekeepers who do their own 
ironing, and to all laundry workers. 

56. A machine which will pull or throw up beets and other like products 
out of the ground, and top and clean the same, would also be a valuable 
invention. Such a machine might resemble a self-binder or analogous har- 




22 John Louis Waters & Company 

in applying for a patent and should feel no hesitancy in seeking 
financial assistance, if necessary, from anyone whom you can 
thoroughly trust not to disclose to others or convert to his own 
use your ideas. 

You should consult us fully in regard to your invention and 
let us advise you without delay. 

Importance of Fully Protecting Your Ideas 

Having explained the value which frequently attaches to a 
practical invention we must impress upon inventors the abso- 
lute necessity and vital importance of fully protecting their 
inventions by letters patent. 

An unprotected invention on which no patent has been issued 
or for which no application for patent has been filed is like a 
bird with a broken wing or a ship without a rudder. 

It cannot be openly used, manufactured, or promiscuously 
disclosed without danger of its being stolen by others and a 
patent secured thereon by some unscrupulous party who has 
no claim whatsoever to the invention. 

The Government maintains its wonderful patent system 
for the purpose of providing proper protection for inventors 
and in order to encourage inventors in disclosing and giving to 
the public as promptly as possible the fruit of their labors 
and thought. 

Neither the Patent Office nor the courts are in sympathy 
with the inventor who having conceived a new and valuable 
idea hides it away in some dusty garret or the recesses of his 
brain, and who discloses his invention only after some other 
and more progressive inventor conceives a similar idea. 

"Promptness" should be the watchword of every inventor 
who values his ideas and hopes to derive benefit therefrom. 

We urge every inventor to at once send us a sketch, model, 

J "^ i^ 5 J WHAT TO INVENT J 5 J J J 

vester, and should include mechanism to withdraw the beets or other prod- 
ucts from the ground, convey them upwardly by means of an endless belt, 
in accurate position, to knives or cutters where they could be chopped, and 
from the knives or cutters pass through a cleaning apparatus or means. 

57. An economic means of absorbing the vibration of both electrical and 
steam motors in automobiles is a desirable invention. This means should 
be light in weight and inexpensive. The vibration of the motors in auto- 
mobiles tends to rock and strain the bodies of the latter, and at present 
cumbersome vehicle constructions are necessary to withstand the wear and 
tear. Means for muffling the noise or sound emanating from automobile 
motors is also desirable. Means for condensing exhaust steam in locomo- 
biles without obstructing or retarding the exhaust, and to automatically 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 23 

or photograph, with written description of his invention, for 
a careful search of the Patent Office records and a frank report 
as to the possible patentability thereof. 

All data will be dated on reaching our office and carefully 
filed away until actual work on the case has been completed. 

The sending of sketches or models for Free Search and 
Advice places the inventor under no expense or obligation to 
us, and our confidential records of the disclosure may prove of 
inestimable value if the inventor should at any time be called 
upon to prove priority of invention, conception, or disclosure. 

You should by all means consult us at once regarding YOUR, 
invention or write us for advice and any special information 
you may desire. 

<$> <^ <^ ^ # 

ft 
What One CUent Has to Say 



John Louis Waters and Co., 
Patent Attorneys, 

Washington, D. C. 



Pittsfield, Mass., 
November 15, 1915. 



Dear Sirs: 

I wish to express my appreciation of the prompt and eflficient service you 
have rendei'ed me in preparing and prosecuting my two applications for 
patent. 

The way you have handled my cases leaves nothing to be desired, and 
I gladly recommend you to other inventors who are seeking the services 
of a thoroughly reliable firm of patent attorneys. 

Wishing you continued success, and assuring you of my future patent 
business, I am. 

Very truly yours, 

GEO. F. KOPP, 
WALLACE W. KEARNS. 



^ ^ ^ ^ ^ WHAT TO INYENT . <^ ^ <^ ^ ^ 

relieve such means of the water of condensation, either by exterior outlet 
or returning it to the boiler or feed pipe. An absolutely safe structure to 
prevent explosion or injurious results due to the new use of vapor or gaso- 
line engines or motors in locomobiles, such as thermal or heat controlled 
vents, valves, and similar devices in conjunction with the vapor or gasoline 
supply tank and cylinders. 

58. In order to cheapen the manufacture of acetylene gas, some means 
will have to be discovered for economically producing magnesium carbide 
to compete with calcium carbide now commonly used, and from which less 
gas can be produced than from a corresponding quantity of magnesium 
carbide. Those inventors who operate in the field of chemistry will find it 
profitable to experiment in an economical production of magnesium carbide. 



24 



John Louis Waters & Company 




UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 



MEMPHIS ARTIFICIAL LIMB MANUFACTURING CO. 

MANUFACTURBRS OF 

LIMBS AND BRACES FOR ALL DEFORMrxlES 

WOOD OR LEATHER SOCKETS. RUBBER. WOOD OR FEUT FEET 

ALSO A FULL LINE OF STUMP STOCKINGS, SUSPENDERS 

ARCH SUPPORTERS AND ELASTIC STOCKINGS 



151 Madison. AVENUE 



CuMB. PHONE Maim 796 



MEMPHIS. TENN. 3/25th,15. 
Jblm. Iioais Waters & Co., 

Warder Bldg.WasMneton B.C. 
Gentlemen: 

1 am pleased to acknowledge receipt of yours of 
the 16th, together with the Official notice. of the Conmission- 
er of Patents, that my application for a Patent on an Artifi- 
cial limb. Ankle Joint has been allowed, 

1 am more than pleased with your handling of the matter, 
as you.havu si.-'.cceeded in having the Patent granted in less 
than. three wefeks from the time you filed the Application. 

Thanking yon for your diligence and early prosecution 
of the matter, and assiiring yon my futnre hasiness. 

Yours Tery truly, 
97- 




. /, X^^^s^^trV^^ 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 25 



Our Services "Especially Gratifying" 

Ashtabula, Ohio, 
May 19,1915. 
John Louis Waters & Co., 

Washington, D. C. 
Your letter announcing the allowance of patent on my invention, Non- 
Clogging Rake, at hand. In reply will say that in point of promptness 
and dispatch your services are especially gratifying. 

Very trulv vours, 

" ^ A. WENNERSTROM, 

Gen. Del. 

^ <^ •# ^ <^ 

Has Found Us Reliable and Satisfactory 

Condon, Oreg., 

September 21, 1915. 
I have found John Louis Waters & Co. reliable and satisfactory. I have 
used their "credit system" and find their services prompt and competent. 

Very trulv, 

D. S. NUNN. 
^ <^ ^ ^ ^ 

Nothing But Praise For Our Work 

John Louis Waters & Co. 

Mr. p. P. Moore. 
Dear Sir: 

I am returning herewith duly executed papers on my "shoe hook" 
patent. 

I have nothing but praise for the work; it is a masterpiece, and I hope 
to give you many of my inventions. 

Any favor that I may be able to do, command me. 

Yours trulv, 

' JOHN HAMILTON. 

1518 N. Central Park, 

Chicago, 111. 
^ ^ ^ ^ <^ 

More Than Pleased at Early Allowance 

Lonoke, Ark., 
John Louis Waters & Co., Route No. 1, Box No. 31, 

Washington, D. C. November 19, 1915. 

Dear Sirs: 

We have received the official notice of allowance in the matter of our 
Mail Transfer Apparatus. 

We must say that we are more than pleased that you have succeeded in 
securing such an early allowance in our case. 

You have worked hard, and in our opinion have certainly earned your 
fees, which we consider most reasonable. 

If you have any prospective clients in this part of the country, do not 
hesitate to refer them to us, as it would be a pleasure to recommend you. 

Yours verv trulv, 

GLOVER BROS. AND BAILEY. 



26 John Louis Waters & Company 



A Letter We Are Proud of 

Brooklyn, N. Y., 
219 Union Street, 
November 1, 1915. 
Messrs. John Louis Waters & Co., Patent Attorneys, 

Warder Building, Washington, D. C. 
Gentlemen: 

I write to express my thorough appreciation of the excellent service 
you have rendered me in the preparation and successful prosecution of my 
two applications for patents on Adjustable Wrenches invented by me. 

I answered your advertisement early in July of this year. On hearing 
from you, I sent models of my two inventions. You promptly completed 
your searches of the Patent Office records, and advised me that my inven- 
tions were patentable, also quoting your most reasonable charges for 
handling the cases. 

I at once made up my mind that I could not place my cases in better 
hands than yours, and promptly signed your credit agreements which I 
sent to you with first payment on account. 

In less than a week after sending my first payments I had received the 
completed application papers ready for my signature. I returned them, 
with second payment on account, and you promptly sent blueprints of 
drawings for my approval. 

After I approved the drawings, you lost no time in filing my applications 
in the Patent Office, the date of filing being September 9, 1915. In one 
of my cases you secured final allowance in twelve days. 

In the other case, I have your letter before me to the effect that appli- 
cation in that case will also be allowed upon filing of new oath, which I have 
just sent you. 

It may please you to know that your prompt work has made quite a stir 
in the shop where I am employed, as among the six hundred machinists 
here, there are several who have invented devices of various kinds, and have 
applied for patents, but- no one has secured results in such quick time as I 
have. 

I have found you prompt and reliable from the very start. You have 
lived up to the letter of every promise you have ever made me, and you 
may rest assured that all of my future patent business will be pla,ced in 
your hands. 

I hope this letter may be of real benefit to you, and I take pleasure in 
signing myself. 

Gratefully yours, 

ANTON HLLTHIN, * 
219 Union Street, 
Brooklyn, N. Y. 
<@> ^ <^ ^ <^ 

John Louis Waters & Co., 
Washington, D. C. 
Your letter received and I am certainly more than pleased in the way 
you handle patent matters for your clients, and I surely am thankful to 
you for getting patent on game apparatus for me in so short a time, and I 
will surely remember you and give my best efforts in trying to secure 
patronage for you. 

Yours respectfullv, 

RUFUS B. SMITH, 

270 Arch St., 
Akron, Ohio. 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 27 

PART TWO 

How to Obtain a Patent, Trade-mark, 
or Copyright 

HAVING conceived an idea for a new invention or im- 
provement the next and most important step is to 
PROTECT IT. 

This can only be done by securing a patent on the invention. 
A patent is a grant issued by the Government giving to the 
inventor or his assignees the sole right to the manufacture, 
sale, or use of the invention or improvement for a term of 
seventeen years. 

If the claims contained in the patent have been carefully 
and properly drawn by a skilled, competent patent attorney 
so as to cover the invention, the inventor having received his 
patent is protected against unauthorized use of his idea by any- 
one else. 

His patent is a legal monopoly and if properly promoted or 
the rights thereunder sold to some manufacturer it may bring 
him wealth or affluence or both equal to that which is now 
enjoyed by many other inventors. 

Who May Obtain a Patent and What May be Patented 

The statutory laws of the United States specifying "Who 
may obtain a patent" and "What may be patented," generally 
speaking, decree: 

That any person, whether a citizen of the United States 
or a citizen of a foreign country, who has invented patentable 
subject-matter may obtain a patent granting to him the exclu- 
sive right to the invention for a period of seventeen years. Sex 

^ <!> ^ ^ ^ WHAT TO INVENT ^ ^ # ^ ^ 

59. The man who invents a really practical corn husker which will husk 
standing corn is assured of a fortune. As in the case of the trying work 
of picking cotton, but little help has been given to the farmer by the in- 
ventor. Numerous attempts have been made, but none of the machines 
constructed have proved practicable. One of the latest is a combination 
of the corn binder and the husker and the shredder, which is attached to 
the ordinary farm wagon. The fingers of the husker collect the stocks and 
convey them to the rollers of the shredder, where the husks are removed 
and the ears elevated to wagon box. The principle seems to be all right, 
but the practicability of the machine is yet to be demonstrated. Some day 
the successful machine will appear. 

60. A cotton picker to replace the ordinary methods of picking cotton by 



28 



John Louis Waters & Company 



color or kindred conditions are in no way a bar to obtaining 
a patent in the United States. 

That a patent may be granted for any new and useful art, 
machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or for any 
new and useful improvement thereof. The grant of a patent 
for an invention does not prevent the grant of another patent 
for an improvement on such invention. However, the patentees 
are estopped from using each other's invention, unless by special 
license or kindred agreements between themselves. 

An invention containing patentable subject-matter must 
not only be useful but also new or novel. There are a great 
many conditions which determine the presence of usefulness 
and novelty in an invention, but it may all be boiled down to 
the general statement that where a person conceives an in- 
vention original with him, and the same is both novel and use- 
ful in the ordinary interpretation given to those terms in the 
patent practice, he can obtain a patent therefor. We refrain 
from burdening our clients with the technical and legal side 
of what constitutes patentable subject-matter in an invention, 
as same if not incomprehensible to them might be confusing 
and is so infrequently brought up that it is deemed unimportant 
to dwell further upon it in this little volume. 

Any new combination of mechanical parts or instruments, 
whereby a new machine is produced, though each of the parts 
be separately old, is an invention containing patentable subject- 
matter. 

Any improvement in any known machine or article of 
manufacture, whereby it is rendered capable of working more 
beneficially or its manufacture is cheapened, is an invention 
containing patentable subject-matter. 

Any new and useful process not wholly mechanical is an 
invention containing patentable subject-matter. 

Any new vendible substance, new and improved in itself, 



^ ^ ^ ^ <^ 



WHAT TO INVENT 



<^ 4> <$><$> ^ 



hand is desired by cotton raisers, and if a successful machine of this class 
is produced the inventor will receive a well-merited income therefrom. 

61. A telescopic or folding umbrella that can be easily and quickly re- 
duced to complete form and when folded will not be cumbersome and bulky 
would be a valuable and most profitable invention. Many attempts have 
been made to accomplish this result, but such complex and expensive 
structures have always been presented in the known folding umbrellas that 
they have been of small commercial value. 

62. A prize of 1,000 francs ($163) will be given the inventor who shall 
produce a glove that can be used by electrical workmen to safeguard them 
from accident. The premium is offered by the French "Accidents to Work- 
man Assurance Association." The conditions are that the gloves must 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 



29 



1896 




SELDEN PATENT 



1915 




MODERN AUTO 



WHAT INVENTION HAS DONE FOR THE AUTOMOBILE 

The two reproductions on this page show the wonderful development of the automobile 
since the year of 1896. The drawing on the upper half of the page is reproduced from 
the Selden patent, which was the beginning of the development of the automobile. 
The half-tone on the lower half of the page shows the automobile of today — a six-cylinder, 
valve in head, Buick touring car. Mr. Selden, it is generally understood, receives 
about $10,000 a day in royalties on his patent. Other inventors of improvements on 
Selden's idea have likewise made fortunes. 



30 



John Louis Waters & Company 



whether produced by a chemical or a mechanical process, is 
an invention containing patentable subject-matter. 

Any new improvements in any manufacture, composition 
of matter, or any art, are inventions containing patentable 
subject-matter. 

Two or more persons may be joint inventors, in which 
instance the rights of all in the issuing patent are equal, it 
being impossible to accurately determine the amount of genius 
contributed by each, the law decrees that they share alike. 
The interests of joint inventors, however, can be varied by 
proper assignment. 

A full term of a patent is seventeen years and it cannot 
be extended except by act of Congress; such extension it is 
practically impossible to obtain. 

It should be borne in mind that special training of a mechani- 
cal or technical nature is not necessary in order to secure a 
patent or become a successful inventor. 

Plain common sense and the ability to recognize the oppor- 
tunities ever present in the field of invention are necessary. 

Keep abreast of the times, keep in touch with what is needed, 
cultivate the habit of being over-observant, and when you con- 
ceive a new and practical idea PROTECT IT. 

How to Obtain a Patent 

If you have an invention for which you desire to secure a 
patent you should AT ONCE forward us by registered mail, 
or insured parcel post, or express, a drawing, photograph, or 
model, with a complete description. 

We will at once have one of our experts make a careful and 
thorough search of the Patent Office records and will write 
you immediately whether or not, in our opinion, your invention 
is patentable. 



^ ^ <!> ^ ^ WHAT TO INVENT 



# 



<^ <^ <^ ^ 



cover the forearm as well as the hands; that they must be light and leave 
the utmost liberty to the worker. If none of the devices submitted come 
up to the required standard, the prize will be divided among those inven- 
tors who most nearly approach it. 

63. A bottle containing poisons having a practical device for attracting 
the attention of those handling the same, or to indicate by some means that 
its contents are of a poisonous nature, is in demand. The device or struc- 
ture for notifying the user of the dangerous character of the contents of 
the bottle can be applied either to the neck, body, or stopper of the bottle, 
but in devising such indicating means care should be taken to avoid cum- 
bersome or impracticable structures. 

64. The use of aluminum for the manufacture of small articles such as 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 31 

For this search we make no charge whatever, nor do you 
obligate yourself in any way in asking us to make a search 
for you, so that you should send us your drawing, etc., and 
let us make this important search and report fully to you AT 
ONCE. 

Your sketch need not be a "perfect specimen of mechanical 
drawing" especially if accompanied by a written description 
of your invention. 

A rough sketch, model, or photograph will in most cases 
suffice, but vou should be sure to show or describe everv feature 
of your entire invention, otherwise the very part you omit to 
disclose may prevent us from making a thorough search, or 
from fully describing your entire idea. 

Ours Not a "Desk" Search 

Our Free Search is not a mere "desk" search or offhand 
opinion, but a thorough search of the Patent Office records 
which is made in the Patent Office itself by an experienced 
searcher. 

When we report an invention patentable after making our 
search it means that we are reasonably certain and positive 
that we can successfully prosecute the case and secure a patent. 

Our Certificate of Patentability 

If we report your invention patentable, we send you, with 
our report a handsome, engraved Certificate of Patentabihty 
certifying that in our opinion, based upon a thorough search 
of the Patent Office records, your invention is patentable. 

The importance of this Certificate of Patentability, signed 
by a reputable firm like ours, to an inventor seeking financial 
aid, from friends or others, to pay the expense of securing a 
patent has been fully proven. 

^ <§> ^ <$> <$> WHAT TO IIWTNT ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ 

spectacles and eye-glass frames and the like is prohibited by reason of a 
failure to successfully solder separate aluminum parts to complete a full 
organization of members of such devices. In the arts generally the use of 
aluminum is also prohibited where it is necessary to connect separate parts 
by reason of a lack of a proper solder for this purpose. The inventor who 
discovers an economical means of soldering aluminum will reap a consider- 
able fortune. 

65. Owing to the destruction of pasturage, cereal crops generally, and 
growing vegetables, by prairie dogs, gophers, and similar small animals, 
serious havoc has resulted from the inroads of these pests. Attempts to 
practically exterminate them have failed. An economical method or means 
for this purpose would be very valuable. The extermination of these pests 



32 John Louis Waters & Company 

We aim, however, through our popular Credit System, to so 
arrange terms of payment of our fees that no inventor doing 
business with us will be obliged to seek financial assistance else- 
where. 

If he should, our Certificate of Patentability will assist him 
in convincing his prospective partner that a really intelligent 
search has been made and that there is little or no danger of a 
patent not being granted. 

How to Hasten Your Case 

If in sending sketch, model, or photograph of your invention 
you will include an initial payment of only $10, regardless of 
the nature or size of your case, we will handle your case OUT 
OF TURN, make a SPECIAL SEARCH, and if the invention 
is found patentable will prepare and send the application 
papers immediately. 

This plan has enabled many of our clients to have their appli- 
cations ACTUALLY FILED earlier than would otherwise be 
possible. 

While all cases are handled promptly, the sending of an initial 
payment as proof of good faith and intentions guarantees that 
your case will be handled OUT OF TURN. 

The Cost of a Patent 

The cost of applying for a patent varies in accordance with 
the nature of the invention, the number of sheets of drawing 
required to properly illustrate it, and the amount of technical 
and professional work required on our part in preparing the case. 

The following is probably the most complete schedule of charges 
ever compiled and shows at a glance our sensible methods of 
charging only for the amount of work involved. 

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ WHAT TO INVENT ^ ^ <$><§> ^ 

can be effected, in all probability, by some yet undiscovered simple de- 
stroyer, either of a chemical or mechanical nature. 

66. Find a substitute material having all the characteristics and advan- 
tages of yieldable India rubber and your fortune is made. Owing to the 
enormous consumption of this substance, the expense of commercial pro- 
duction and the rapidly growing scarcity of the natural product, due to the 
reckless destruction of trees and plants which are the source of the same, 
the rubber output is becoming diminished, and its commercial value corre- 
spondingly increased every year. 

67. Many devices and various kinds of apparatus have been produced for 
extinguishing fires in the holds of vessels. This field of invention is still 
ripe, however, for the harvest of fertile brains of inventors, and a simple 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 



33 



Itemized Schedule of Usual Charges 





Total cost of applying for 
patent 


Itemized charges 


Nature and size of case 


a; 

a 
o 

<! 


to 

a 

O 
+-> 

o 


.S 

B 

a 

> 

o 

O 


Final Gov't fee paya- 
ble within six months 
after allowance of 
application 


1 Sheet — Simple Case 

Medium Case. . . . 
Difficult Case. . . . 


$65 . 00 
70.00 
75.00 


$25 . 00 
30.00 
35.00 


$5.00 
5.00 
5.00 


$15.00 
15.00 
15.00 


$20.00 
20.00 
20.00 


2 Sheets — Simple Case 

Medium Case. . . . 
Difficult Case. . . . 


75.00 
80.00 
85.00 


30.00 
35.00 
40.00 


10.00 
10.00 
10.00 


15.00 
15.00 
15.00 


20.00 
20.00 
20.00 


3 Sheets Simple Case. . . . . 
Medium Case. . . . 
Difficult Case .... 


85.00 
90.00 
95.00 


35.00 
40.00 
45.00 


15.00 
15.00 
15.00 


15.00 
15.00 
15.00 


20.00 
20.00 
20.00 


4 Sheets — Simple Case 

Medium Case. . . . 
Difficult Case. . . . 


95.00 
100.00 
105 . 00 


40.00 
45.00 
50.00 


20.00 
20.00 
20.00 


15.00 
15.00 
15.00 


20.00 
20.00 
20.00 


5 Sheets — Simple Case 

Medium Case. . . . 
Difficult Case. . . . 


105.00 
110.00 
115.00 


45.00 
50.00 
55.00 


25.00 
25.00 
25.00 


15.00 
15.00 
15.00 


20.00 
20.00 
20.00 



Cases requiring over five sheets of drawing are usually of such 
a highly complicated nature as to call for a special quotation 



^ ^ ^ <^ <$> 



WHAT TO IINYENT 



<§> <t> <^ <^ ^ 



effective extinguishing means of a comparatively inexpensive nature that 
will not obstruct the capacity or operate in a manner to contaminate the 
cargo of the hold of a ship will result in a magnificent remuneration to the 
fortunate inventor who discovers the same. 

68. There is a demand for a painting machine of simple construction, 
embodying a gang or series of revolving brushes operated by electricity or 
direct mechanical means or by compressed air, and to which the paint may 
be fed by a conduit running to a supply tank or receptacle. If compressed 
air be the operating means the paint from the source of supply could be 
forced upwardly to the brushes by such air, and moreover the application 
of the paint to a surface of a building or other device could be more evenly 
spread by compressed air. 



34 John Louis Waters & Company 

which is invariably as reasonable as the high quahty of our 
work will permit. 

Our Terms of Payment 

Ordinarily the amounts of our charge should be remitted to 
us as follows: 

When you authorize us to proceed with your case send us an 
amount to cover the cost of drawings and the amount of the 
Government Fihng Fee of $15 (in a simple one-sheet case these 
items would amount to $20) . 

When you return the executed appHcation papers to us ready 
for fihng and approve the drawings, print of which will be sent 
you for your own use, send us the amount of our Attorney's 
Fee (in a simple one-sheet case this would amount to $25). 

When we notify you that the Patent Office has finally allowed 
your application and is ready to actually issue your patent send 
us $20, any time within six months after the date of allowance, 
and your patent will promptly issue. 

Our Credit System 

Realizing that frequently inventors of meritorious and patent- 
able ideas are not in a position, financially, to pay our charges in 
full before the filing of their case, we have inaugurated our 
Original Credit System for Inventors. Through this system we 
positively enable inventors to have their cases prepared and 
ACTUALLY FILED in the United States Patent Office before 
paying our Attorneys' Fee. 

The inventor merely signs our Credit Agreement, which is 
sent him when we report his invention patentable, returns it 
to us with a small first payment and agrees therein to pay the 
balance in monthly payments OF ONLY $10 EACH. 

We do not know of another patent attorney or firm anywhere 
who will assist inventors in this way — ^in fact, most attorneys 

<§><$> ^ ^ ^ WHAT TO INVENT ^ <^ ^ <^ <|> 

69. A simple and absolutely reliable spring-cushion device or analogous 
buffer to prevent accidents and loss of life from falling elevators is wanted. 
A magnetic check, automatically energized by a pre-determined slack in the 
cable through the medium or intermediate device, would also be advan- 
tageous as a safety device for an elevator. There is also room for im- 
provement in automatic closers for elevators. In this class of inventions, 
the usual disadvantageous forms of dumb-waiters might be replaced by 
more economical and practical structures, and numerous automatically 
operating devices, both mechanical and electrical, could be devised for 
raising and lowering such waiters. 

70. A very convenient and profitable invention would be an automatic 
signal "to notify icemen, grocers, butchers, milkmen, or other tradesmen 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 



35 



demand that every cent be paid them before they will file your 
case. 

In this connection we call your attention to the fact that 
many of the letters produced herein mention our exceptional 
promptness throughout our handling of the cases referred to. 

Under our Credit System we actually start our work on a case 
as soon as the first payment is received, for we have as much 
confidence in our clients as we want them to have in us. It is 
only when a client repeatedly ignores his obligations to us and 
fails to live up to his Credit Agreement that we feel justified in 
suspending our work until overdue payments are received. 

Don't let the matter of "dollars and cents" prevent you from 
protecting your ideas, but let our Credit System help you to 
secure your patent and own it. 

Schedule of Monthly Payments Under Our Credit System 



Total cost 

of case as per 

schedule of 

charges 


First 
payment 


Second 
payment 


Third 
payment 


Fourth 
payment 


Fifth 
payment 


Sixth 
payment 


Final Gov 'tfee 
payable with- 
in six months 
after allow- 
ance of appli- 
cation 


$65 . 00 


$10.00 


$10.00 


$10.00 


$10.00 


$5.00 




$20.00 


75.00 


15.00 


10.00 


10.00 


10.00 


10.00 




20.00 


85.00 


20.00 


10.00 


10.00 


10.00 


10.00 


$5.00 


20.00 


95.00 


25.00 


10.00 


10.00 


10.00 


10.00 


10.00 


20.00 


105 . 00 


35.00 


10.00 


10.00 


10.00 


10.00 


10.00 


20.00 


115.00 


45.00 


10.00 


10.00 


10.00 


10.00 


10.00 


20.00 



Advantages of Our Credit System 

1. Your application is filed after you have paid the Govern- 
ment Filing Fee and Cost of Official Drawings, instead of being 
delayed until you pay the entire cost of your patent. 



<@> <^ <$> ^ # 



WHAT TO INVENT 



^ <^ ^ ^ <$> 



when they are wanted. Such a signal might be located at the front of a 
residence and operated from the interior of the latter, so that the trades- 
man desired could see the same in passing and take an order without requir- 
ing anyone in such residence to go to the place of business of the various 
tradesmen. 

71. New principles in cash-registering means and purchasing indicators 
are always in demand and anxiously sought by the manufacturers of cash 
registers. Cash registers as now manufactured are more or less expensive 
and embody complex features. A departure from the ordinary methods of 
cash-registering constructions, with quick, practical results and efficiency, 
would be a source of substantial income to the fortunate inventor devising 
and protecting the same. . 



36 John Louis Waters & Company 

2. You pay us as your case progresses, and know just what 
you are paying for. 

3. By making monthly payments you may be able to avoid 
having to assign an interest in your invention to someone else 
in return for financial assistance from them. 

4. Your application for patent may even be allowed before 
you have finished your payments. 

5. You are at liberty to pay up your account in full at any 
time, though you are not obliged to do so. 

6. You are able to avoid the dangerous delays so many in- 
ventors are obliged to contend with who have to raise the full 
cost of a patent before their attorney will file their application. 

7. You are able to mark your invention "Patent Pending" 
or "Patent Applied For" as soon as your application has been 
filed, and even start manufacturing and marketing if you wish. 

8. You are able to avoid disclosing your idea promiscuously 
to capitalists and others until after your application has been 
filed. Many a valuable idea has been stolen because too freely 
disclosed by the inventor in seeking financial aid. 

9. You receive the maximum of efficient, honest, and reliable 
service for the minimum expenditure of time, energy, and money 
and are in close touch with us, your attorneys, throughout the 
progress of your case. 

PREPARATION AND PROSECUTION 

The Application 

The application papers include the petition, specification, 
oath, and, where possible, drawings, which, to secure protec- 
tion, must be filed in the Patent Office together with the first 
Government Fee of $15. This we positively attend to before 
you have paid us our Attorney's Fee. As soon as the applica- 

<$> ^ ^ # ^ WHAT TO INVENT ^ ^ ^ ^ <$> 

72. An improved method or means of exterminating flies, roaches, and 
other similar pests in houses, hotels, and restaurants is greatly desired. 
The means now employed are rarely effective and are frequently of such 
an extremely poisonous nature as to be dangerous in their use. Within 
this same class of invention, practical means of exterminating mosquitoes 
is also desired, particularly in view of the fact that recent experiments have 
demonstrated that mosquitoes spread the germs of malaria, yellow fever, 
and kindred diseases. 

73. A practical household ice machine in connection with a refrigerator 
which could be operated by a water or other similar motor, would be a 
valuable invention. In devising a machine of this class it is suggested 
that means be provided for producing the ice directly in the refrigerator, 




Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 37 

tion is filed you will be protected against the grant, without 
your knowledge, of a patent for the same thing to another 
person. After the application has been filed we send you the 
ofiicial filing receipt. The specification should contain a clear, 
concise, and accurate description of the device and its opera- 
tion; the advantages and conveniences should also appear. To 
this should be subjoined a condensed statement of the inven- 
tion in the form of one or more claims embodying all its novel 
features. As your attorneys we will personally attend to all 
these details for you. 

The Claims 

The actual value of a patent is measured by the character 
of its claims. While formerly the impression prevailed to a 
great extent that the essential thing to insure protection was 
a patent of some kind, the manufacturing public has been 
educated to understand that the vital and all-important part 
of a patent is its claims. If the claims are narrow and restricted, 
the patent is comparatively worthless, and on the other hand, 
if the invention is valuable and well covered by broad and 
comprehensive claims, the patent is readily endorsed by manu- 
facturers, their consulting counsel, and meets with prompt sale 
and adoption. If patents were properly prepared at the outset, 
the number of patent suits would be greatly decreased, as the 
rights of the patentee would stand out in such unmistakable 
language in the claims that rival parties would not care to trench 
upon the clearly defined rights of the patentee. 

Experienced inventors and patentees appreciate the impor- 
tance of having their applications for patent intelligently pre- 
pared and skillfully prosecuted. 

Special training and experience such as we possess are required 
to properly prepare an application and prosecute it to allow- 
ance upon the best possible claims. 

^ ^ ^ <$> # WHAT TO INVENT ^ ^ # ^ ^ 

and if some inexpensive chemical or electrical means for this purpose is 
discovered a long-felt want will be supplied. 

74. A practical, cheap, and efficient pocket match box, which will be con- 
structed and operated by simple manipulation to deliver one match at a 
time, would be a most valuable acquisition to this class of devices. There 
is a demand for an improvement in the usual form of match boxes, in 
view of the fact that those that have heretofore been devised were of 
such a complex and expensive nature that they had but a limited com- 
mercial value. 

75. A boot-blacking machine for effectively polishing the parts of a boot 
or shoe and operated by the nickle-in-a-slot principle is wanted, and would 
be a profitabe field of invention in which to enter. Such machine would 



38 Jolin Louis Waters & Company 

To secure a patent is one thing, but to secure a patent that 
will stand subsequent judicial investigation, and effectually 
protect the patentee against imitators or evaders, is a different 
undertaking and one with which we are thoroughly familiar. 

While the Examiners of the Patent Office are, to an extent, 
judicial officers, they at the same time stand in the position 
of attorneys for the Government, and strenuously oppose the 
granting of broad, sweeping claims if there is any ground for 
opposition, since any laxity on the part of the applicant in 
claiming his invention inures to the benefit of the public whom 
the Examiner represents. And if an applicant for patent pre- 
sents limited claims which do not amply protect his invention, 
instead of claims of sufficient legal scope to prevent the appro- 
priation of the invention by imitators and infringers, it is not 
a part of the duty of the Patent Office to suggest the presenta- 
tion of broader claims, but to allow the application upon the 
claims of record. 

In brief, the inventor is presumed to know what he has 
invented and to understand the scope of the claims filed; and 
in case of litigation the courts can not broaden the scope of a 
claim beyond the obvious meaning of the language employed. 

As heretofore stated by the Supreme Court "valuable inven- 
tions are often placed in the hands of inexperienced persons,*' 
and it is a matter of common knowledge that many applications 
for patent are prepared by persons who have had no legal 
training, and who consequently have no appreciation of the 
legal scope of patent claims as defined and established by the 
courts. 

In this connection we will say that specifications for appli- 
cations for patent, as well as all other legal documents ema- 
nating from our office, are prepared by specialists in patent law. 



^ ^ <$> ^ ^ WHAT TO INVENT # ^ ^ ^ <^ 

have to include a motor and mechanism for applying and rubbing on the 
polish, and might be in the form of brushes or textile bands, or both. 

76. If incubators are made that are mechanically regulated and held to 
a given degree of heat, with an electric bell to call when there is need of 
attention, why cannot a cook stove be produced on the same plan.? This 
stove should contain a series of ovens controlled by thermometers and 
equipped with a simple electrical appliance to call when there is danger. 
The heat in one oven could be regulated to cook meat, eggs, and other 
albuminous foods; another oven to be regulated for boiling purposes. In 
another the heat could be regulated for baking bread, etc. 

77. Printing without type. Not only has this been accomplished by the 
inventor of this system, Mr. Friese-Green, but he has actually succeeded 



Patent Attorneys, "Washington, D. C. 39 

Prosecuting the Case Before the Patent Office 

It is very seldom that an application for patent is allowed by 
the Patent Office in the first action after the case is filed. There 
are generally several actions or Patent Office letters in regard 
to a case which must be properly answered and the case amended 
before a final decision is reached by the Examiner. It frequently 
happens that certain points must be taken up with the Exam- 
iner in person in order to expedite, if possible, the allowance 
and subsequent issue of patent. 

This and all other work between the filing and allowance of 
the application constitutes the prosecution of the case, and, need- 
less to say, requires skill, shrewdness, knowledge, and good judg- 
ment on the part of the attorney. 

A well prepared specification and well executed drawings 
greatly expedite the allowance of an application by the Patent 
Office, as the Examiner is thus relieved of annoyance and unnec- 
essary work in the examination of the case. 

The Patent Office Examiners appreciate good work on the 
part of the attorney, and when a specification fully and intelli- 
gently sets forth the invention, and presents claims of proper 
form and scope, much unnecessary labor and correspondence 
are avoided, and the Examiner's whole attention can be given 
to the search required, to determine the novelty of the invention, 
instead of to criticising the description and claims. 

On the other hand, a case which is poorly and incorrectly 
prepared entails upon the Examiner much study and extra 
labor in determining just what the applicant is seeking to claim; 
and loosely drawn specifications and inferior drawings naturally 
have a tendency to prejudice the Examiner in his action. 

It is obvious that when an invention is well shown, described, 
and claimed, no criticism on the part of the Patent Office is 
required, except such as may effect the scope of the claims 

^ ^ <t> ^ ^ WHAT TO INVENT ^ <^ ^ <$> <^ 

in printing in colors without the use of any pigment whatever. This 
process is accomplished through the use of electricity and can be applied 
to any press, it being only necessary to remove the ink roller. This inven- 
tion opens up an endless field of invention. 

78. There is a great demand for a practical wall-papering machine. By 
this is meant machines that are readily portable and to which the paper 
may be easily applied and delivered therefrom to walls or ceilings by a 
simple operation. A machine of this character, embodying features to per- 
mit the operator to stand at a distance from the wall to be covered and 
dispose the machine at the proper angle to the wall or ceiling as to obtain 
a square application of the paper, will solve this problem. 

79. A practical musical instrument which shall produce orchestral music. 



40 John Louis Waters & Company 

based upon prior patents, which the Examiner may find in his 
search, and the points at issue between the appUcant and the 
Examiner are quickly defined and may be speedily determined, 
if the attorney resides in Washington. 

The Official Drawings 

Next in importance to the proper preparation of the specifi- 
cation and claims comes the Patent Ofiice drawings. 

During the preparation of the application for patent, it 
sometimes becomes necessary to prepare more than one sheet 
of drawings to illustrate the invention as required by the rules 
and regulations of the Patent Office. In such cases the usual 
expense of filing an application is increased proportionately to 
each additional sheet of dramng required. Our experience 
teaches us that it is money well spent to show every detail of 
an invention by large, clear, well-executed drawings. By this 
means we facilitate examinations in the Patent Office and invari- 
ably secure the most satisfactory results in the shortest period 
of time. 

We are fully aware of the importance of having the drawings 
prepared by the most skillful and experienced draftsmen obtain- 
able. In all cases entrusted to us the drawings are made under 
our personal supervision by draftsmen in our constant employ, 
and every precaution is taken that the inventions be fully and 
clearly shown by different views so as to be readily understood 
by the Examiners of the Patent Office and comprehended by the 
public when the patent is granted. 

This book contains samples of Patent Office drawings show- 
ing the character of work furnished our clients. We make a 
specialty, as show^n in the drawings, of illustrating the applica- 
tion of the invention, pictorially, whenever practicable. The 
value of well-executed pictorial drawings does not end with the 

"^ J J ^~~5 WHAT TO INVENT J J J '^ J 

including the representation of a violin, cornet, trombone, flageolet, flute, 
and piccolo, bass viol, snare and bass drum, leaving the expression of the 
music under the control of the operator. Also, in connection with such 
instrument, a machine for preparing perforated sheet music with which to 
operate the musical instrument. 

80. Many attempts have been made to practically cool and ventilate cars 
by replacing vitiated air with successive or continuous charges of fresh air 
from the exterior. Some of these have been more or less successful, but 
in the present systems, under the most favorable circumstances, the appa- 
ratus used materially adds to the expense of the car equipments, and in 
some structures the thorough ventilation and cooling of a car is not effected 
equally throughout the interior area. 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 



41 




Witnesses 






I rrventor 



The above is a photographic reproduction of one sheet of official drawing 
executed by our Drafting Department in an important Motion Picture 
Machine case. 



42 John Louis Waters & Compainy 

proper showing of the invention for the purpose of the patent, 
but copies of the patent can be had in any quantity by the in- 
ventor for use in bringing his invention before manufacturers 
and capitahsts, and much depends upon the impression given 
by the drawings. If the invention is well illustrated, the inventor 
has in his patent a suitable illustration for use in advertising 
and for other purposes and photo-engraved plates can be pro- 
duced by us from these drawings. No cut will be made for 
less than $4, the cost depending upon the size of the cut. 

Term of the Patent 

Patents are granted in this country for the term of seventeen 
years and no longer, during which time the patentee has the 
exclusive right to make, use, and sell the patented invention. 

Your patent, therefore, gives you a legalized monopoly on 
your idea and enables you to restrain the manufacture, sale, 
or use in any way of your idea by others for the term of seven- 
teen years. 

Time Necessary to Secure a Patent 

It is impossible to state with certainty the time required 
to secure the allowance of patents. This varies with the division 
in the Patent Office to which the application is referred. There 
are thirty-eight of these divisions, and each one is more or less 
in arrears with its work. It usually takes, however, from three 
to four months to procure a patent. 

We make it a point to be prompt with our correspondence 
and preparation of the requisite papers and drawings. Each 
case is filed at the earliest possible moment, and as they are 
taken up for examination by the Patent Office officials in the 
order in which they are filed, there is absolutely no delay on 
our part. 

# ^ ^ ^ <^ WHAT TO INVENT ^ ^ ^ ^ <^ 

81. Inventions for the utilization of waste products, or by-products, 
resulting from the treatment of various articles or commodities in manufac- 
turing, are always successful if practical and meritorious. For example, the 
numerous so-called "waste products" of the packing houses of Chicago 
and other places are turned to account, and are probably as profitable as 
the meat or principal product. In the same manner waste and by-products 
of soap factories, dye works, and numerous other establishments are utilized 
and made sources of profit. Inventions resulting in the utilization of such 
common waste products as ashes, furnace slag, sawdust, and oyster shells 
cannot fail to prove successful on the market. 

82. The utilization of the sun's rays for mechanical purposes is now 
actively engaging the attention of inventors. The most practical apparatus 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 43 

An attorney cannot hasten action in a case after it is filed in 
the Patent Office except by promptly amending the case respon- 
sive to all official actions. Our unusual promptness has en- 
abled us to secure some exceptionally early allowances in a 
number of our clients' cases. 

Joint Application 

Two or more persons may apply jointly for a patent if they 
are joint inventors. If one person is the inventor and the other 
only a partner, the patent must be applied for in the name of 
the inventor alone; but he may secure his partner in advance 
by executing a deed of conveyance so drawn that the patent 
will be issued in both names. It is of the greatest importance 
that the true position of joint applicants should be thoroughly 
understood by the attorney, in order that he may prepare the 
papers so as to properly protect the interests of both parties. 
If both applicants are inventors, they should both sign the appli- 
cation papers, but if they are joint owners merely, the inventor 
alone should sign the application papers, and assign the proper 
interest to the other party. A patent would not be valid in 
which one of the parties interested had signed the applica- 
tion papers without being a co-inventor. 

Manufacturing and Selling Before Issue of Patent 

Every inventor has the right, when he has an application 
for patent pending in the Patent Office, to manufacture and 
sell his goods, and to mark them "Patent Applied For." 

It is better, however, not to exploit your invention until 
your patent issues, as there is a danger of an interference being 
declared in the Patent Office. (See chapter on "Interferences.") 
Furthermore, in most foreign countries patents are granted to 
the first applicant, whether the inventor or not, and the inventor 

5 J J "^ 5 WHAT TO INVENT J J 5 J J 

up to the present time is one recently tested in Southern California. It 
consists of a large reflector in the shape of an umbrella with the top cut 
away. The inner surface is lined with numerous small mirrors, which con- 
centrate the sun's rays and direct them upon a boiler located within the 
reflector. 

83. After centuries of use, the cork-closing bottles are passing slowly 
away, and rubber, metal, glass, pasteboard, and pulp coverings are taking 
the place of cork. Success awaits the inventor who hits the popular taste 
for a cork substitute. Fruit jars have long had patent tops; beer is seldom 
sold in any other way; and milk is now put up in bottles that have little 
covers of metal. Citrate of magnesia bottles have now a special stopper 
of their own. Rubber corks are made in great quantities, and glass tops 



44 John Louis Waters & Company 

is likely to lose his right to obtain foreign patents thereon, as 
someone seeing his invention on the market in the United States 
may proceed to patent it in foreign countries. 

Obtaining Financial Assistance 

Where an inventor has not the means to procure a patent 
for his invention he should first consult us regarding our Credit 
System. If unable to meet the liberal terms we will make him 
to suit his case, we would suggest that he endeavor to interest 
someone in his vicinity to whom he can personally explain the 
merits of his invention, and agree to assign to such person a part 
interest therein, in consideration of the fees necessary to secure 
a patent. When this has been effected we shall be glad to pre- 
pare the required assignment. Our Certificate of Patentability 
has been of great assistance to inventors without funds, as it 
gives the capitalists the necessary assurance of probable patent- 
ability to justify them in advancing the necessary money. In 
order to protect your interests while seeking to interest capital 
in your invention, we recommend that you forward us sketches 
and description, duly witnessed, of your invention, which we will 
place in our secret files, and in case an attempt should be made 
to pirate the invention, we would then be in a position to protect 
your rights to the utmost. 

In seeking financial assistance we advise that you first ap- 
proach friends or relatives and those in whom you have implicit 
confidence. Avoid the promiscuous disclosure of your invention 
before your application is filed; in fact, to be on the safe side have 
us file your application as soon as possible and take no chances. 

Assignments 

An inventor may sell and assign his invention either before 
or after application for patent has been made, or after the 
patent has been issued. He may sell or assign any portion, 

^ <^ ^ ^ # WHAT TO INVENT ^ ^ ^ <$> ^ 

to ordinary corks are made for the high-class drug and perfume trade. The 
mechanism now coming into use for the soda and beer bottles, and fruit 
jars as well, is the eccentric one in which a double wire loosely clasping 
the neck of the bottle, when pushed up, raises the stopper cleanly and easily. 
84. There is a large fortune in store for some energetic inventor who 
will devise a bob-sled or the like having practical means of propulsion con- 
trollable within the confines of the body of the sled and departing from 
the usual gripping or traction wheel devices heretofore invented for this 
purpose. A valuable feature of construction in automobile sleds would be 
means for practically ascending grades or hills by step movement, and also 
to have the propulsive or operating mechanism capable of being thrown out 
of contact with the surface over which the sled is moved to adapt the latter 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 45 

such as one-fifth or one-half interest in the patent, or a town, 
county, or State right, or he may grant the right to manufac- 
ture on a royalty. If assigned before the patent is granted, 
the purchaser will enjoy the right under the patent whenever 
it is issued. Trade-marks, copyrights, and labels can also be 
assigned. 

Every assignment affecting the title of a patent, trade-mark, 
or label must be recorded in the United States Patent Office. 
Assignments of copyrights have to be recorded w4th the Libra- 
rian of Congress. Those who desire to have assignments of 
patents or licenses, or assignments for trade-marks, labels, or 
copyrights drawn in proper form and recorded, will please com- 
municate with us, stating the full names and residences of the 
parties, the shares to be conveyed, the title of the invention, and 
if already patented, the date of the patent. Also remit $5, 
which is the cost of preparing, fifing, and recording the assign- 
ment. 

Contracts, Licenses, Etc. 

We also prepare contracts, royalty agreements. State-right 
licenses, and any papers or documents in connection with patents, 
trade-marks, and copyrights. 

Our usual charge for the proper preparation in legal form of 
a document of not more than one legal page is $5. 

Transfers of Patent Rights 

Closely related to the subject of how to sell a patent or cer- 
tain rights thereunder is the subject of the different ways in 
which the rights under a patent may be transferred. This 
may be accomplished by a straight assignment, unlimited 
license, shop license, territorial grant or a royalty agreement. 
Which of these should be utilized depends on the circumstances 

^ ^ <§> ^ ^ WHAT TO INVENT ^ ^ ^ <^ # 

to descend grades by its own momentum. Reliable steering devices for a 
sled of this class would also have to be provided. 

85. Sooner or later the faithful tow-path mule will be emancipated. At- 
tempts have been made to propel canal boats by the trolley system, but 
thus far without complete success. Two obstacles must be overcome before 
practical success is reached. One is the provision of means for maintaining 
the trolley in effective contact with the conductor, and the other the preven- 
tion of "side wash" or undue disturbance of the water which undermines 
the canal banks. The benefit to the shipping public which would result 
from a more expeditious canal service cannot be estimated. 

86. In a railroad disaster in the tunnel of the New York Central Rail- 
road great destruction of property and loss of life ensued from the explosion 



46 John Louis Waters & Company 



surrounding each particular case. We will be pleased to advise 
our clients on this subject upon receipt of full information as 
to the particular conditions confronting them. 

Our charge for preparing and recording ordinary assignments 
is $5. In cases of more complicated agreements this charge - 
is subject to slight increase, the amount of which our client 
will be fully advised on before we proceed. 

Copies of Patents 

We can furnish our clients with printed copies of the specifi- 
cations, claims, and drawings of any patent which has been 
issued and the supply of which has not been exhausted in the 
United States Patent Office, at a cost of 10 cents each. Remit- 
tance should be made with the order and the number of the 
patent should be given. 

Copies of Specifications and Claims Before Issue 

Whenever a client desires typewritten copies of his specifi- 
cation and claims in -a pending application, for the purpose of 
making others acquainted with his invention, or in seeking 
financial assistance with which to apply for foreign patents, 
we will be pleased to furnish same at a reasonable cost, which 
is $1 in the case of an ordinary application of five pages or less 

In this connection we are able to furnish prints of the draw 
ings in a pending application at a cost of 25 cents for ever;^ 
print of each sheet of drawing. 

Rejected Applications flH H 

After the filing of an application in the Patent Office, it i 
taken up for examination by the Primary Examiner in th ^M 
regular order in which it was filed. He may either allow c '' 

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ WHAT TO INVENT ^ ^ ^ # 

of the Pintsch gas reservoirs. The use of gas is therefore shown to be as 
dangerous as the car stove, and the discovery of some illuminating means 
that will not tend to fire the same in the event of accident will prove to be 
a valuable invention. 

87. There is great demand in eyeglasses for some means of practically 
securing the extremities of the nose-spring, the nose-pad arms, and the 
posts secured to the lenses which will resist accidental loosening and annoy- 
ing movement of the lenses. Many attempts have been made to success- 
fully arrive at this result, but they are all more or less disadvantageous, 
and the means heretofore used have been either cumbersome or weaken the 
strength of the parts which they engage. Everyone seems to have followed 
the old plan in the use of a screw, and if someone should devise a simple 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 47 

reject the application. Rejection of the appHcation may be 
based on either lack of patentable subject-matter, utility, or 
other causes having to do with the question of patentability. 
Rejection, however, is often due to lack of ability of the attorney 
in the presentation of the novelty and utility of the invention 
forming the subject of the application. An inventor who per- 
mits his invention to be presented to the Patent Office by an 
unskilled attorney simply invites repeated rejection of his appli- 
cation and can never expect the issuance of a patent having a 
scope commensurate with the novelty and value of his invention. 

Our long experience especially fits us to handle rejected 
applications, for which other attorneys have failed to secure an 
allowance, with strong chances of favorable results. 

Our charge for making an examination of the official Patent 
Office file of a rejected application, and advising as to possibility 
of favorable termination, is $5. If you have had an application 
for patent rejected by the Patent Office it may be due to poor 
handling on the part of your former attorney, and perhaps we 
could secure a patent for you. Upon request we will forward 
you the necessary power of attorney, and upon the return of 
same, together with the above remittance, we will promptly 
make the necessary examination of your case and forward our 
full report. If we think that your application can be success- 
fully terminated we will at the same time quote our charges for 
completing the prosecution of the application to a final deter- 
nination. 

If we find conditions with respect to the application favor- 
able, we will at the same time quote our total charge of com- 
peting the prosecution of the application to a final termina- 
ion. If you order us to proceed, the $5 paid for the exam- 
aation will be applied on the total cost of completing the 
rosecution, and the examination in such an event would 
ost you nothing. 

^ ^ <^ ^ WHAT TO INTENT ^ <^ <$> ^ <^ 

and positive means for securing the parts of an eyeglass without the use 
of screws, and without detracting in the least from the strength of said 
parts, immediate adoption of such device would follow. 

88. Another promising field is that of single-rail railways, commonly 
known as "mono railways." There is room for great improvements in this 
class of inventions, both in the structure of the railway itself and in cars 
adapted thereto. Recent European experiments in mono-railways have 
demonstrated the wonderful advantages of single-rail tracks, both in speed 
and safety; and the near future may witness the practical development of 
this class of invention. 

89. Prairie fires. This subject offers an opportunity for inventors to 
devise a machine for moving over the ground surface similar to a horse-rake 



48 John Louis Waters & Company 

It is important that an inventor never attempt to prosecute 
his own appUcation. If he does he will soon find himself com- 
pletely swamped owing to his lack of experience and unfamili- 
ar ity with the essential features of the patent practice to master 
which requires years of experience and close application. The 
Patent Office recognizes the inability of inventors to prosecute 
their own applications as is evidenced by Rule 17 of its Official 
Rules of Practice, as follows: 

"Rule 17. An applicant or assignee of an entire interest may 
prosecute his own case, but he is advised, unless familiar with 
such matters, to employ a competent attorney, as the value 
of the patent depends largely upon the skillful preparation of 
the specifications and claims." 

Reissues 

If, by reason of a defective or insufficient specification, a 
patent is inoperative or invalid, provided the error arose from 
inadvertence, accident, or mistake, and without fraudulent 
intent, a reissue of the patent may be had for the unexpired 
part of its term. 

At the time of making an application for a reissue, the origi- 
nal patent must be surrendered. The cancellation of the original 
patent takes effect from the date of the reissue. If the reissue 
is refused the original patent is returned on request and the 
patent stands as if no application for a reissue had been made. 

Frequently reissues are more difficult to obtain than the 
original patent. However, if after a patent has been issued to the 
inventor, he feels that it does not carry the protection to which 
he is entitled, we will be pleased at a reasonable cost to advise 
him if a reissue, seeking to enlarge the scope of his patent, 
would be successful. 

The Government fee for a reissue is $30, and our Attorney's 
Fee, in ordinary cases involving one sheet of drawing, $50. 

^ <^ <^ ^ <$> WHAT TO INVENT <^ ^ ^ ^ ^ 

or cultivator, having means for burning the grass down to the ground for 
a space of about 8 or 10 feet in width, using gasoline to ignite the grass, 
and a train of steel brushes or other devices to extinguish the flame before 
it is permitted to spread, thus creating a fire guard. 

90. No practical device has been discovered that will utilize the power 
of the waves and the tides. The main obstacle to success in getting the 
ocean into harness has been to provide a motor that would withstand a 
heavy surf. The latest attempt in this line proposes a series of submerged 
pistons worked on buoys, whose constant motion is expected to compress air. 

91. Incandescent gas lighting approaches perfection in house illumina- 
tion, and is now generally used. A serious drawback to this system of 
lighting, however, is the fragile and perishable character of the mantles 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 49 



Appeals 

On many occasions an application is finally rejected by the 
Primary Examiner even though the inventor feels that same 
clearly presents patentable subject-matter. In such instances 
the inventor can still assert his rights by successive appeals to 
three higher tribunals as follows: 

Appeal to Board of Examiners -in -Chief 

This board consists of three persons thoroughly qualified to 
review and determine the justice of the adverse action of the 
Primary Examiner. The final rejections of the Primary Exam- 
iner are reversed by the Board of Examiners-in-Chief in a large 
number of cases. 

The minimum cost of an appeal to the board is $25, represent- 
ing the $10 Government fee, and $15, our Attorney's Fee, in 
usual cases. 

Appeal to the Commissioner of Patents 

From an adverse decision of the Board of Examiners-in-Chief 
appeal may be taken to the Commissioner of Patents. The 
cost of this appeal depends upon the character of the case 
under consideration, the Government fee being $20, and our 
minimum Attorney's Fee $20, depending on the difficult nature 
of the work. 

Appeal to the Court of Appeals of the District 

of Columbia 

From the decision of the Commissioner of Patents appeal 
may be taken to the Court of Appeals of the District of Colum- 
bia. In such an appeal the inventor must pay the docket fee 

^ <^ ^ ^ ^ WHAT TO INVENT <^ ^ <$> ^ ^ 

employed. What is needed is a mantle which will not break in ordinary 
handling, or if accidentally dropped a distance of a few feet. Also one 
which will not melt or crack when exposed to the temperature of burning 
coal gas, and which will not become useless if bent out of its original shape. 

92. Women are always on the outlook for curling tongs or irons, hair- 
curling devices generally, and other mechanical articles for the toilet. New 
ideas in corset, placket, glove, shoe, and hat fasteners command a ready 
sale. Simple attachments for belts which prevent sagging and displace- 
ment, and novelties in pocketbooks, cravat and necktie holders are very 
much sought after. 

93. Novel and sensational advertising devices, especially for store- 
window displays, find ready sale. 



50 John Louis Waters & Company 



of $15, and in addition must pay the cost of printing the tran- 
script of the entire record in the case, as well as our Attorney's 
Fee. 

IN CASES WE PREPARE AND PROSECUTE APPEALS 
ARE RARELY NECESSARY, AND IN NO INSTANCE DO 
WE ADVISE APPEAL UNLESS THERE IS AN EXCEL- 
LENT CHANCE OF SUCCESS AND A DECIDED ADVAN- 
TAGE TO BE GAINED BY THE INVENTOR IF THE 
APPEAL IS WON. 

Interferences 

An interference is a proceeding instituted for the purpose of 
determining the priority between two or more parties claiming 
substantially the same patentable invention. 

Interferences are decided in favor of the inventor who proves 
that he was the first, of those cited, to display diligence in get- 
ting his idea before the public. 

Various rules governing interference procedure are provided 
by the Patent Office, which, owing to their intricacy and purely 
technical nature, cannot be commented upon in a pamphlet of 
this size. There is no branch of Patent Office procedure which 
demands greater skill and care than does interference cases, 
because of their importance and technical rules of procedure as 
well as the difficult questions of law frequently involved. 

Our fees in interference cases are subject to special contract. 

Infringements of Patents 

The subject of infringement of patents is such an extensive one 
that we cannot attempt to cover, same in such a small publication 
as this pamphlet. If you are interested to know whether a 
patent which you own is infringed, or whether you are infringing 
another's patent, you should write us and we will immediately 

<$> ^ ^ ^ ^ WHAT TO INVENT ^ <^ ^ # ^ 

94. Means for protecting shores which will prevent the undermining of 
buildings situated on the beach. Every year thousands of dollars are lost 
by reason of the breaking of the buttresses or breakwater, caused by high 
waters, which removes the foundation of buildings and causes the collapse 
and entire loss of the same. 

95. A prolific field for the inventor is offered in the line of submarine 
vessels. Already the British and French Governments are building a num- 
ber of vessels of this class. The patent rights in all countries, excepting 
the United States, for the Holland submarine boat, have been acquired by 
the Vicker & Maxim Company; and commercial activity in this line of 
invention has already begun. 

96. A paste composition for friction matches, free from phosphorus, 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 51 

take up the question with its particular associated circum- 
stances and your interests in view. 

Employer and Employee 

In the absence of a specific contract to that effect, the em- 
ployer is not entitled to the patented invention of the employee. 
Employees are entitled to their own independent inventions; 
and this is so, even where the invention or discovery was made 
while receiving wages of his employer and using his tools. Nor 
does the simple fact that the inventor makes and patents an 
invention while receiving pay from his employer and using his 
tools give the employer a license to use the invention. The 
courts have held that they cannot enter upon an inquiry as to 
the justice or injustice of an inventor-employee's taxing his 
employer for the use of an invention made at his expense and 
with his materials if he proposes to do so. If, however, the 
inventor-employee should voluntarily permit his employer to 
use the invention or should he apply it in his employer's busi- 
ness, this will amount to a license to the employer to use it. If 
the improvement is a process, it has been held that the license 
will continue for the life of the patent; but if the invention per- 
tains to a machine it is understood that only the specific ma- 
chines which have been so made are licensed. Such a license is 
personal, not transferable, and in case the licensee is a corpora- 
tion, the right will die with its dissolution. 

The foregoing observations do not apply to cases where one 
is employed to invent improvements in manufactures or ma- 
chinery, and it is agreed that the employer shall have the exclu- 
sive benefit of the employee's inventive faculties and such inven- 
tions as he shall make during the term of his service. In such 
case the employer is entitled to an exclusive license for the use 
of such inventions during the existence of the patent, and of any 
extensions, renewals, or reissues of the same. 

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ WHAT TO INVENT ^ ^ ^ ^ <^ 

would revolutionize the manufacture of matches. The composition should 
offer such resistance to shocks and friction as to prevent apprehension of 
danger from explosions during the process of manufacture. It should also 
be free from chemical ingredients injurious to the health of those employed 
in the manufacture of matches. 

97. An alloy for armor plate, and a process and apparatus for making 
the same. The question of obtaining armor plates for forts and Avar vessels 
which shall be able to withstand the heavy projectiles which are now used 
is occupying the attention of all the principal nations of the world, and 
any improvement in this class of inventions would be readily adopted. 

98. For years various inventors have been attempting to secure a sub- 
stitute for the razor. Recently a Frenchman thought he had solved the 



52 John Louis Waters & Company 

Where a person has discovered an improved principle in a 
machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, and employs 
others to assist him in carrying out that principle, and they, in 
the course of experiments arising from that employment, make 
valuable discoveries, ancillary to the plan and preconceived 
design of the employer, such improvements in general are to 
be regarded as the property of him who discovered the improved 
principle, and may be embodied in his patent as a part of his 
invention. Persons employed, if they invent an improvement, 
are entitled to their own independent inventions ; but where the 
employer has conceived the plan of an invention, and is engaged 
in experimenting to perfect it, no suggestions from an employee 
not amounting to a n£w method of arrangement which, in itself, 
is a complete invention, is sufficient to deprive the employer 
of the exclusive property in the improvement. 

If an employer desires to secure the inventions of his employees 
he should do so by a specific contract. If an employee intends 
to save himself the whole right in an invention, and not to give 
his employer a license to use the same without payment of 
royalty, he should be careful not to put his invention to use in 
his employer's business, or allow his employer to use it without 
a definite written agreement made beforehand. These pre- 
cautions on the part of employers and employees will save 
much trouble, misunderstandings, and litigation. 

Prosecuting Cases Filed by Other Attorneys 

Frequently inventors write us regarding the prosecution of 
cases which have already been filed for them by some other 
attorney whose services are not satisfactory. 

In such cases you should write for our blank "Power To In- 
spect," which will be promptly sent you to be filled in, signed, 
and returned to us. On receipt of this paper we will promptly 

^ <^ <^ ^ ^ WHAT TO INVENT # ^ ^ ^ ^ 

problem, but after his device and an electro-chemical combination had been 
used in the barber shop a few days, the customers discovered that the instru- 
ment burned and blackened their chins, and the inventor was obliged to 
flee before their rage. Nevertheless, there is a fortune for the inventor 
who discovers a harmless substitute for shaving. 

99. Novel devices or structures, on the order of merry-go-rounds, tobog- 
gan slides, and the Ferris wheel, for use at summer resorts, fairs and expo- 
sitions, are always in demand, and, as a rule, are very profitable. The 
most recent inventions in this line are the centrifugal railway, in which a 
car describes a circle, and is maintained on the rails by centrifugal force; 
the "aquarama," or voyage on the rivers of the world; and the "hotel 
topsy-turvy," in which everything appears to be reversed, or upside down. 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D, C. 53 

inspect your case in the Patent Office, advise you of the true 
condition thereof, and quote our charge for properly completing 
its prosecution. 

We are proud to say that we have been successful in the prose- 
cution of cases where other attorneys have failed, as in the case 
of Mr. Augustus Belotti, of 57 Gray Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. 

Patents for Compounds, Etc. 

Cleaning and polishing compounds, cements, metal alloys, 
soaps, leather dressings, fertils and medicines, hair dressings, 
cosmetics, ointments, and the like; in short, all useful liquid 
and solid mixtures may be patented. 

Instances can be multiplied wherein patents of new dis- 
coveries in this line of invention have made millionaires of their 
owners. Patented medicines such as "Green's August Flower," 
"Perry Davis' Pain Killer," "Ayers' Cherry Pectoral," "Hood's 
Sarsaparilla," "Paine's Celery Compound," and many others 
are examples, while useful compounds like "Sapolio," "Electro- 
Silicon," "Rising Sun Stove Polish," and "Ivory Soap," are 
"household gods" in our own and foreign lands and have netted 
immense fortunes. 

The total cost of a patent in this class of cases is $70, $35 
of which is the attorney's fee, and upon receipt of that amount, 
together with a statement of the quantity and name and 
particular purpose of each ingredient used and the man- 
ner of compounding same, as ^vel\ as a statement of the 
use of the complete preparation, we prepare the application 
papers complete, and forward same for your approval and 
execution, to be returned to us with the first Government fee 
of $15. The final Government fee of $20 may be paid any 
time within six months from the date of allowance. 

Double protection and business advantage is secured by 

^ # ^ # <^ WHAT TO INVENT <^ ^ <^ <^ <^ 

100. Novelties in culinary utensils, or labor-saving devices for the house- 
hold, like egg beaters, vegetable parers, can openers, coffee pots, window 
or floor cleaners, tack pullers, carpet stretchers, sweepers, cleaners and 
beaters, dusters, polishers, cabinets, and flour and ash sifters, are generally 
salable. 

101. A simple device for tightening woven-wire bed springs. Anyone 
who has used these kinds of bed springs knows that in a short time the wire 
stretches or springs, causing a sagging in certain parts of the bed. A device 
which will provide means for overcoming this objection is very much 
desired. 

102. A druggists' prescription file which will enable prescriptions to be 
compactly filed away in regular order, kept clean, and at the same time 



54 John Louis Waters & Company 

also adopting a trade-mark and registering the same in the 
United States Patent Office. 

Term of patent, seventeen years. 

Term of trade-mark, twenty years. 

Design Patent 

The law authorizing the issue of design patents is very broad. 
These patents may be granted to any person, who, by his own 
industry, genius, effort, and expense, has invented or produced 
any new and original design for a manufacture, bust, statue, 
altorelievo, or bas-relief; any new or original design for the 
printing of woolens, silk, cotton, or other fabrics; any new and 
original impression, ornament, pattern, print, or picture to be 
printed, painted, cast, or otherwise placed on or marked into 
any article of manufacture; or any new, useful, or original orna- 
mentation of any article of manufacture, the same not having 
been known or used by others before his invention or production 
thereof, or patented or described in any printed publication. 

All new designs should be protected. Design patents for 
the pattern of a machine, or designs on a machine, can be 
secured in addition to a mechanical patent for the machine 
itself. These patents are never issued for mechanical devices 
but only for ornamental features. 

In a number of instances large business interests have been 
built up with a design patent as a basis. 

Design patents have been liberally construed by the courts. 
They hold that such a patent covers not only what is shown 
in the patent, but also those things which have a near enough 
resemblance to appear the same to ordinary observers. 



<^ # <^ ^ ^ WHAT TO INVENT ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ 

rendered quickly accessible for several years back, so that any desired 
prescription may be readily found, removed, and replaced without disturb- 
ing others. 

103. A practical machine for scaling fish is also an invention which 
ought to prove successful, as this work is now done altogether by hand. 
In large establishments for the handling and canning of fish some rapid 
and labor-saving means for removing the scales or cleaning fish are de- 
manded. 

104. A wash basin having means for closing and opening the discharge 
therein without the necessity of inserting the hand into the water contained in 
the basin. Some simple device which will take the place of the ordinary plug 
and chain, and will add little or nothing to the expense, is what is desired. 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 55 

The total cost of a design patent, including Government 
and attorney's fees, and one sheet of drawing, is : ^^^| 

Attorney's fee. Government fee. Total. 

Patent for 3 1-2 years $20 . 00 $10 . 00 $30 . 00 

Patent for 7 years 20 . 00 15 . 00 35 . 00 

Patent for 14 years 20 . 00 30 . 00 50 . 00 

Trade-Marks 

The new Trade-Mark Law passed by Congress, and which 
went into effect April 1, 1905, makes it imperative for every 
one who values the protection of his trade-mark to register 
under this law. 

Under its terms, all trade-marks, whether registered at 
Washington or a bureau, must be re-registered at Washington 
in order to obtain protection uiider the new law. 

Heretofore injunctions of courts did not apply outside the 
immediate section where they were granted. Under the new 
law, an injunction once secured in any Federal court extends 
its force throughout every State and Territory in the Union. 

It is further provided that before granting registration the 
Commissioner shall cause the trade-mark to be published at 
least once in the Official Gazette of the Patent Office, and any 
person who believes that he would be damaged by the regis- 
tration may oppose the same by filing notice of opposition, 
stating the ground thereof within thirty days after the publica- 
tion of the mark sought to be registered. 

The latter provision enables the true owner of the trade-mark 
to prevent his right to its exclusive use from being jeopardized 
by the registration of the same or a similar mark by an applicant 
who may not be entitled to registration. 

The right of appeal is provided, the same as in the case of 
applications for patents, from an adverse decision of the Exam- 

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ WHAT TO INVENT ^ ^ ^ ^ <^ 

105. Owing to the destruction of forests, and the growing scarcity of 
wooden ties, a demand has arisen for a substitute. Metal ties have been 
used for some time on European railways. It would seem that some kind 
of a hollow steel tie, filled with cement or some other practical construc- 
tion, would fill the need. 

106. One of the things which the average street railway manager is in 
search of is a satisfactory convertible car, which will save him the necessity 
of doubling his equipments and of providing storage room for the closed 
cars in summer and the open cars in winter. Experiments should be along 
the line of convenient disposition of the seats and the replacement of the ordi- 
nary side curtains which are of very little protection in wet weather. Some 
simple means of temporarily collapsing or throwing out of use of window 



56 John Louis Waters & Company 



iner of Trade-Marks or the Examiner of Interferences, as the 
case may be, to the Commissioner in person, and from the Com- 
missioner to the Court of Appeails of the District of Columbia. 

The Hfe of a certificate of registration is changed from thirty 
years to twenty years, but the certificate of registration may 
be renewed from time to time upon* certain conditions, and upon 
the payment of the required fee. The Government fee for 
registration is reduced from $25 to $10. 

Registration will afford prima facie evidence of ownership, 
and any person using any registered trade-mark without the 
consent of the owner thereof will be liable for damages, and 
on the rendition of a verdict for the plaintiff, the court, in its 
discretion, may enter judgment for three times the amount of 
such verdict. 

The new law affords additional remedies and more complete 
and adequate protection, and in order to give the owners of 
trade-marks previously registered the enlarged benefits under 
the new law, the act makes provision for the re-registration of 
said trade-marks upon payment of the fees. 

Provision is made for the first time for registering trade- 
marks used solely in interstate commerce, and the new law 
is so far-reaching and complete in its protection to lawful trade- 
mark owners that registration of a trade symbol or mark will 
prove of great value from a commercial standpoint. 

A trade-mark may consist of any non-descriptive word or 
words, sign, symbol, picture, autograph, monogram, or any 
combination of any or all of them. Descriptive words cannot 
be registered. For instance: "Washing Soap" or '*Can Corn" 
could not be registered, but descriptive words combined with 
non-descriptive words may be registered; thus, * 'Eureka Wash- 
ing Soap" and "Excelsior Can Corn" are properly registerable. 

Sometimes words which are descriptive are combined in 
a single word and phonetically or 3''ancifully spelled, and in 

'^ i^ 5 5 5^ WHAT TO INVENT 5 5 J 5 J 

sections so that they may be readily drawn into operative position will be 
a step in the direction of solving the problem. 

107. Anyone who can invent a process which will save half a cent a ton 
on the present system of loading coal into ocean steamers should be able 
to sell his invention for a very large sum. Among the great needs of the 
Navy is some easier method of coaling ships at sea from colliers, especially 
when the sea is rough. A method that would accomplish this result with 
more ease than it is now accomplished would do as much to improve the 
efficiency of a fleet of battleships as would an improvement in the making 
of armor or the invention of a more efficient gun than is now known. 

108. Liquid blacking is much more convenient to apply to boots or shoes 
than the solid blacking or paste, but most of the devices for handling it 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. ^1 



SAPOUO 



Old Dutch 

Cleanser 



Chase* 
Dirt 




MAKES EVERYTHING 
JPICK <M»o SPAM^ 



Uneeda 



THREE WORLD RENOWNED TRADE-MARKS 

The above Trade- Marks are known to practically every man, woman and 
child in the United States. The aggregate value of these marks is com- 
puted in the millions. Other valuable trade-marks are, Royal Baking 
Powder, Cascarets, Gold-Dust, Wooltex, B. V. D., etc. 



58 John Louis Waters & Company 

such cases they usually constitute a valid trade-mark, but it 
is the figure or emBlem that makes the mark valid. A word 
can be adopted for the trade-mark which is suggestive, but 
not descriptive, and this is often the best kind of a mark for 
particular kinds of goods. The mere name of the applicant can 
not be registered, but his name, together with a device or design, 
etc., is entitled to registration. Geographical names can not 
be trade-marked. 

A trade-mark need not be new or original, but it should be 
new to the purpose to which it is applied. Thus a trade-mark 
on "The Rising Sun," applied to flour, would not prevent the 
registration of the same words as applied to stove polish. 

Persons desiring to know whether certain words or devices 
can be registered should send us a copy or description of the 
mark and the class of merchandise on which it is used, including 
a particular description of the goods comprised in such class. 
Five dollars should also be sent as a guarantee of good faith 
with the above data. We will then make a search of the trade- 
mark records in the United States Patent Office and send a full 
report of the result of the examination. We will not make any 
charge for this search if a trade-mark is registered through us, 
but will credit the $5 advanced on our fee. 

In order that we may be enabled to prepare the application 
papers we should be furnished with the name of the owner, 
and if a firm be the proprietor, the names of the individual 
members thereof, their residences, and places of business. Five 
specimens of the trade-mark as used must be filed with the 
specification and drawings in the United States Patent Office. 
The right to the use of a trade-mark is assignable in writing and 
such assignment should be recorded in the Patent Office. We 
prepare these assignments, the cost of preparation and recording 
being $5. 



<^ # ^ ^ ^ WHAT TO INVENT ^ <^ ^ ^ ^ 

hitherto produced are not easy to manipulate, the common practice being 
to apply the liquid with a sponge attached to a wire inserted in the cork 
of the bottle. Attempts have been made to arrive at a successful use of 
liquid blacking in connection with the brush, but like most original inven- 
tions this class is subject to a wide range of improvements and affords an 
opportunity for an inventive mind to produce a simple and effective brush 
construction for applying liquid blacking. 

109. Any improvement tending to the amelioration of the condition of 
those who delve in the bowels of the earth for their bread would be a boon 
to humanity. The prevention of explosions from fire damp, and the purifi- 
cation of the unwholesome atmosphere of the mines, are subjects worthy of 
the attention of the thinker and inventor, not only from the humane stand- 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 59 

Cost of Trade-Mark 

The Government fee in each case is $10, while our fee, includ- 
ing one sheet of drawings and the preparation of the necessary 
papers, is $20 in original cases, and $10 in cases where applica- 
tion is made for re-registration. 

Trade -Mark Must be Used Continuously 

A trade-mark is good only so long as it is used, and it must 
be used continuously by the owner in business, and the owner 
must have for sale the goods bearing the mark. 

Copyrights 

The author, inventor, designer, or proprietor of a book, 
map, chart, dramatical or musical composition, engraving, 
cut, print, photograph, or negative thereof, or of a painting, 
drawing, chromo, statue, statuary, or of a model or design, 
and the executors, administrators or assigns of any such person, 
may obtain a copyright therefor; and such authors, inventors, 
designers, or proprietors, and their assigns, shall have the 
exclusive right to produce, dramatize and translate any of their 
works for which copyright shall have been obtained under the 
laws of the United States. 

To obtain a copyright, the application must be filed with the 
Librarian of Congress on or soon after the day of publication, 
and two copies of the article or book must be delivered to the 
Librarian at the time of filing application. 

Our entire charge for obtaining a copyright is $5. Copy- 
rights, like mechanical patents, may be assigned to another 
party, and our charge for preparing and recording such assign- 
ment is $5. 

The term of a copyright is twenty-eight years. If the work 
to be copyrighted is in- manuscript form and requires prepara- 

J 5 5 J J WHAT TO INYENT J J J J J 

point, but also from a business point of view. Mine owners are quick to 
adopt practical ideas looking to the comfort or safety of their operatives, 
or adapted to facilitate the work of mining. 

110. A mechanical device or machine for plucking feathers from fowls 
would form a commercially valuable invention if constructed to operate 
efficiently and practically. Such a machine should comprise means for 
completely removing the feathers and ejecting the fowl from the machine 
thoroughly picked and ready for dressing. 

111. A device by means of which a hat, coat, or umbrella may be hung 
up with security from thieves is something which has not yet been success- 
fully developed. An effective and comparatively simple invention in this 
line would be one of value, and one which would be readily adopted. Secu- 



60 John Louis Waters & Company 

tion before being filed with the Register of Copyrights, our 
charge for preparation will depend upon the amount of work 
required. 

Write us freely for information in regard to your particular 
case. 

Labels and Prints 

Labels and prints for every kind of article of manufacture 
may be secured to the proprietor thereof by registration in 
the Patent Office if they are the result of that degree of intellec- 
tual labor contemplated by the constitution and the copyright 
laws. 

A print is a pictorial illustration designed to be used for 
articles of manufacture to serve as an advertisement thereof. 
Prints may be impressed or stamped upon articles of manu- 
facture, or upon a piece of paper to be attached to such articles, 
or to bottles, boxes, or packages containing them. 

Labels consist of devices or words intended to indicate the 
things to which they are attached. Both prints and labels, in 
order to be entitled to registry, must be intellectual productions 
in the degree required by the copyright law. 

Under the rules of the Patent Office, a print or label cannot 
be registered if it bears a device capable of application as a trade- 
mark until after such device is registered as a trade-mark. 

Our charge for effecting registration of a label or print is 
$20 which includes the Government fee of $6. We should be 
supplied with ten copies of the label or print to be registered. 

USEFUL FACTS ABOUT PATENTS 

There are certain useful and important facts relating to the legal rights 
of patentees which most attorneys fail in their literature to set forth, and 
we give a number of such facts here for our patrons. 

If an invention is protected by patent in one country it cannot be manu- 
factured in another country and imported, sold or used without license 
from the patentee. 

^ <$> <^ ^ <^ WHAT TO INVENT ^ <$> ^ ^ ^ 

rity is the prime consideration, but expense and ease of manipulation are 
factors not to be ignored. 

112. One of the most profitable fields of invention at the present time is 
a smoke consumer for stoves and furnaces. If one knows the composition 
of smoke and understands that it is merely unconsumed flakes of carbon 
floating in non-combustible gases he need not be a chemist to see that 
smoke abatement is merely a question of fuel. If soft coal was perfectly 
consumed the gases that escape through the chimney would be colorless; 
that is, there would be no carbon or soot in them and hence no smoke. It 
is obvious that this line of invention lays open a valuable territory and 
encourages inventors to experiment and to cover by patent every field 
relating to improvements in stoves and furnaces with this end in view. 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 



61 








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62 John Louis Waters & Company 



The law requires that a manufactured article, if patented, must be so 
marked, and the customary manner of marking is to follow the word "pat- 
ented" by the date of the patent. No legal right exists permitting the use 
of the mark "patented" before the patent is actually issued. Official noti- 
fication that an application for patent is "allowed" does not therefore 
convey this right. 

The law attaches a penalty of $100 for each offense for the fraudulent 
use of the mark "patented." 

If an application for patent is on file, but not allowed, the invention 
must bear the mark "patent pending" or "patent applied for" if manu- 
factured and sold. 

A license cannot be transferred unless the instrument itself embodied 
a stipulation making it transferable. 

No one has the right to make a patented device without authority from 
the patentee, even though the maker would construct the machine solely 
for his private use and not for sale. 

After a patent has expired it cannot be renewed, except by act of Con- 
gress. 

A reissue is one granted to the original patentee, his legal representa- 
tives, or the assignee of the entire interest, when the original patent is 
invalid or inoperative by reason of a defective or insufficient specification, 
or by reason of the patentee claiming as his invention or discovery more 
than he had a right to claim as new, provided the error arose through inad- 
vertence, accident or mistake, and without any fraudulent or deceptive 
intention. Matter shown and described in an unexpired patent, and which 
might have been lawfully claimed therein, but which was not claimed by 
reason of a defect or insufficiency in the specification, arising from inad- 
vertence, accident or mistake, and without fraud and deceptive intent, can- 
not be subsequently claimed by the patentee in a separate patent, but only 
in a reissue of the original. 

(These facts relative to reissue of patents are set forth at length, in view 
of the common mistake made by inventors in construing a reissue to mean 
an extension of the patent.) 

A patent cannot issue to a deceased inventor, but to his legal repre- 
sentative. 

Inventions of deceased inventors may be patented by the legal repre- 
sentative making application therefor in due form. 

An abandoned application is no bar to a new application for the same 
invention by the same applicant. 

When one of several distinct inventions described and shown in an appli- 
cation is not claimed therein, the issue of a patent on such application 
presumptively dedicates the unclaimed invention to the public. 

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ WHAT TO INVENT # ^ ^ ^ ^ 

113. Notwithstanding the wonderful development of improvements in 
railway construction and equipment during the past quarter of a century, 
this field of invention is still an attractive one for the inventor. With 
respect to the locomotives, economy in fuel is an important consideration, 
and inventions looking to the consumption of the products of combustion, 
and the arresting of sparks and cinders, are in demand. Improvements 
which increase the safety of trains are also of value, and, if practical, can be 
readily placed. In connection with railway inventions, it may be sug- 
gested that apparatus for weighing the cars of a train with reasonable 
accuracy while moving either separately or loosely coupled, is something 
which railway companies need, and would doubtless promptly adopt. Car 
heating and ventilation, devices for improving the roadbed and track 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 83 



After an applicant has himself prosecuted his application to final rejec- 
tion and has then placed it in the hands of an attorney, the examiner will 
be warranted in re-opening the case for the admission and consideration 
of substitute specifications apparently presented in good faith and for the 
purpose of securing for the inventor that to which the attorney believes 
him entitled. 

One who employs another to make an invention for him does not thereby 
become entitled to apply for and receive a patent on the invention, what- 
ever may be his equitable rights in the invention and patent of his employee. 

Invention does not lie in an abstract idea of the desirability of uniting 
several old machines into one, but in conceiving definitely of a single organ- 
ized and complete machine containing a combination of instrumentalities 
which perform the several functions of the old machine. 

An application for a patent to be issued to joint inventors must be signed 
and sworn to by all the inventors and an application for such a patent 
made by only one of such inventors cannot be entertained, even although 
the other of such inventors already has a sole patent for the same invention 
and refuses to join in a joint application. 

T^vo may properly take out a patent as joint inventors when one of 
them originated the leading principles and the other exercised inventive 
talent in perfecting it. 

An inventor may adopt minor improvements in his invention, which 
are suggested by another, and the latter does not thereby acquire any 
interest in the invention. 

The Patent Office cannot permit the record of an application once filed 
to be in any way altered by so radical a measure as the removal of one of 
its parts, as by the transfer of drawings, to a substituted application. 

When all the parts of an application except the fee have been deposited 
in the Patent Office, they will not be returned to the applicant. 

Patent will issue jointly to an assignee and applicant when the latter 
so requests in the recorded assignment. 

An assignment regular on its face and regularly recorded must be con- 
sidered an absolute assignment until cancelled upon the written consent 
of both parties, or upon the decree of a competent court. 

In order to give an employer a right to an invention of an employee, on 
the ground that the latter was employed to invent it for the benefit of the 
former, it must very clearly appear that such was the condition of the 
employment. 

If a person once conceives the main idea of an improvement, valuable 
minor results contributed by a workman in reducing the invention to 
practice without rejecting the original idea and proceeding upon a wholly 
distinct and separate plan, belong to the former as a part of his invention. 

<^ # ^ ^ <!► WHAT TO INVENT ^ ^ ^ <^ ^ 

structures, are all subjects to which the inventor can profitably direct his 
ingenuity. 

114. A reliable automatic gas governor, which may be attached to a 
meter for regulating the flow of gas through the meter, and preventing the 
waste thereof. Most of the devices of this kind now on the market are 
unsatisfactory, because they require constant attention and become inope- 
rative after having been in use a short time. A simple, inexpensive, and 
effective gas governor would meet with a ready sale. 

115. To penetrate the fog of the sea has always been and still is a problem, 
and a fortune awaits the solver of this problem. Audible signals, such as 
alarm whistles, have been insufficient, and a new idea must be evolved in 
which the audible signal will be eliminated or combined with other safe- 



64 John Louis Waters & Company 



When all that is new and patentable in a device is embodied by an em- 
ployee at the express direction of the employer and according to his ideas, 
the invention is that of the employer. 

It is a well-established principle that an inventor has the right to em- 
ploy the mechanical skill of others to carry out his ideas without forfeiting 
his right to the invention. 

An earlier conceiver, by merely making a model and showing it to some 
persons, afterward doing nothing more, does not give or abandon the 
invention to the world so as to deprive a subsequent conceiver of his right 
to a patent. 

The prompt filing of an application is evidence that a reduction to prac- 
tice was successful. 

An inventor who, after reducing his invention to practice, deliberately 
conceals it from the public, is not entitled to a patent as against one who 
during such concealment has independently invented the same thing and 
has patented it in good faith and in ignorance of the fact of invention 
by the first party. 

He who merely suggests that an invention may be rnade and furnishes 
the means to do it is not the inventor as against the mechanic who devises 
the practical method of making the invention. 

He who employs an old device in a new or modified way to produce a 
new and useful result must be regarded as an inventor. 

Where one is first to conceive an invention, but throws aside all evidence 
of the conception, makes no effort to complete or introduce the invention 
to the public, and delays making application for a patent until another 
has brought it into extensive use, has no standing as an inventor. 

The law does not look with favor upon a party who withholds the knowl- 
edge of his invention from the public by a negligent postponement of his 
claim until others have made and introduced the same. 

He is the real inventor and entitled to the patent who first brings the 
machine to perfection and makes it capable of useful operation, although 
others may have previously had the idea and made some experiment toward 
putting it in practice. 

The Sale and Promotion of Patents 

The question uppermost in the mind of practically every 
inventor is "How am I to derive financial benefit from my 
invention after I secure my patent?'* 

This is only natural as the incentive which spurs most 

^ ^ <§> ^ <^ WHAT TO INTENT <^ ^ # <^ <^ 

guards. While no specific suggestion can be afforded, it is probable that 
electricity will play an important part in the successful working out of this 
important matter. 

116. There is an actual demand for a simple, inexpensive voting device, 
adapted for the use of legislative bodies. The adoption of such an inven- 
tion by the Congress of the United States has been agitated for some time, 
and has probably only been delayed by the non-appearance of a voting 
machine or system answering the requirements as to simplicity, accuracy, 
and expense. It requires about forty-five minutes to call the roll in the 
House of Representatives, and the time and expense thus involved in the 
course of a session can readily be estimated. The inventor who solves this 
problem will be amply rewarded. 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 65 

persons to inventive activity is the chance of rich financial 
reward such as has been won by many another inventor, and 
is always waiting to be claimed by the inventor of some success- 
ful and needed new device or improvement of merit and utility. 
It is perhaps safe to say that ordinarily not one inventor in 
a hundred has the remotest idea of the methods usually em- 
ployed in 

Turning Patents into Cash 

and we hope to throw sufficient light on the subject to enable 
inventors to realize that there is no secret about it — that 
there is an enormous and constant demand for inventions and 
that every inventor has an equal chance of disposing of his 
patent if his invention possesses sufficient merit and is properly 
brought to the attention of those persons most likely to be 
interested in its purchase. 

Many inventors make the mistake of attempting to sell 
their invention before even applying for a patent thereon. 
Nothing could be more futile or dangerous, as we have yet to 
make the acquaintance of a reputable concern which would 
think of investing its money in any invention until applica- 
tion for patent has either been filed in the Patent Office, or 
definitely allowed and patent actually issued. 

Such a step would be as foolish as purchasing a piece of real 
estate without first having the title guaranteed by an expert 
in such matters. 

Aside from the danger you run, of having your unprotected 
invention stolen from you, it is positively a waste of good time 
and effort on your part to attempt to sell your invention before 
your application for patent has been filed in the Patent Office. 

Having a keen interest in the success of our clients who have 
become possessed of patents through our efforts, we have 
made an exhaustive study to ascertain the most effective 

^ <^ ^ ^ ^ WHAT TO INVENT <^ <$><§> ^ <^ 

117. To scrape a ship's bottom without the delay and expense of dry- 
docking presents a problem to inventors, the solution of which will mean 
profit to the originator and a revolution in marine repairs. The fouling of 
ships by barnacles and sea waste is a source of constant concern to navi- 
gators, and the expense of dry-docking is an important item. To free 
ships from the incubus of the sea has always been a thing desired, and sooner 
or later a practical method of accomplishing this while the vessel is afloat 
may be devised. 

118. Wheels, axles, bridges, and rails have all been strengthened to carry 
their increased loads; but, strange to say, the splices which hold in place 
the ends of the rails, and which are really short-span bridges, are now the 
weakest part of the railway. The angle-bar splice has but one-third of the 



66 John Louis Waters & Company 

course to be pursued by inventors in order to make an ad- 
vantageous sale of their patents. After considering a large 
number of ways of bringing a patented invention to the atten- 
tion of prospective buyers, we have reached the conclusion 
that this end can be most quickly and easily reached by two 
methods which stand head and shoulders above all others, 
that have been considered, and which offer splendid chances 
of success if persisted in. 

First. Personal presentation of the invention by the in- 
ventor to those manufacturers, financiers, and other persons 
known to be interested in devices of the class covered by the 
inventor's patent, and in whom the inventor has full confidence, 
such confidence to be based on the well-known business reputa- 
tion of the parties. As a rule, an inventor will find these classes 
of people very receptive, and always willing to consider the 
purchase of protective improvements in devices, which will 
enable them to produce their wares more cheaply, or of better 
quality, as they thereby secure a monopoly of a cheaper, 
superior, or improved article in the competitive fight for 
business. 

Second. That of conducting correspondence with estab- 
blished manufacturers who produce articles of the class to 
which the patent relates. This course is extremely advan- 
tageous to inventors who feel that they do not possess sufficient 
qualifications to properly present their inventions by personal 
solicitation and who do not feel inclined to trust others with 
such an important duty. A properly worded letter addressed 
to a responsible manufacturer, setting forth the practical and 
meritorious advantages of the patent, together with a copy of 
said patent, will most invariably demand attention. 

In this connection our clients have at their disposal the ser- 
vices of our Advertising Department to assist them in the 

<^ ^ ^ ^ # WHAT TO INVENT ^ ^ ^ # ^ 

strength of the rail, and its strength cannot be increased, owing to its want 
of depth. Joints go down under every passing wheel, and the ends of the 
rails wear out long before the rest. 

119. The electrical storage battery is the generator of the immediate 
future. The brush battery employs lead plates which necessarily require a 
considerable generation for their own transportation. The weight of the 
battery is its barrier to commercial success. The new Edison battery, 
which is the most recent improvement in this line, substitutes thin steel 
plates for lead, and the plates are perforated to receive cells containing 
compressed parcels of mixed iron and graphite for the positive electrode, 
and nickle and graphite for the negative electrode. The electrolytic fluid 
is a solution of potash, which does not affect the containing vessel and pre- 



Patent Attorneys, WasHington, D. C. 67 

proper preparation of forceful, convincing letters or printed 
matter for use in approaching prospective purchasers. 

Approaching Your Purchaser 

In some instances it is necessary, in presenting an invention 
for consideration, to submit a complete working model of the 
device so that its operation may be fully demonstrated. 

Frequently, however, a blue print of the original drawing, 
such as we furnish free to our clients, and a copy of the specifica- 
tion and claims as filed in the Patent Ofiice or, if patent has 
issued, a printed copy of the patent, is all that will be required. 
Inventors are especially cautioned against submitting rough, 
unprofessional looking sketches and vaguely \NTitten descrip- 
tions to prospective purchasers, as in all probability they would 
not be considered and might injure their chances of possible 
future business. 

Genius and business ability do not, as a rule, travel hand in 
hand, hence we seldom discover inventors, artists, authors, 
etc., possessed of the business ability which must usually be 
injected into any undertaking before it becomes a financial 
success. 

It is for this reason that we have undertaken to aid our clients 
in disposing of their patent, if possible, and now offer the hearty 
cooperation and assistance of our competent organization in 
assisting clients to properly present their patented inventions 
to those manufacturers, promoters and others most likely to 
consider their purchase. 

The greater part of this service is rendered gratis to our 
clients, in the hope that many of them will be successful in 
disposing of their patents to the utmost profit and advantage 
to themselves, but is not intended in any way as representing 

# ^ <$> ^ <$> WHAT TO INVENT ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ 

serves its quality. It is claimed for the battery, as a result of prolonged 
and severe tests, that it will render two or three times as much service as 
the same weight of the ordinary lead battery. 

120. During the past few years a new field has been opened for inven- 
tors. To produce realistic stage effects, mechanism is required, and a num- 
ber of patents have been recently granted in this line of invention. Ex- 
amples of these are the patents of Xeill Burgess on mechanism for pro- 
ducing the horse race in the "County Fair," and the apparatus employed 
in the play of "Ben Hur" for the illustration of the chariot race. Any in- 
vention of merit in this line will be readily adopted, and perhaps no class 
of patented devices is more profitable. 

121. This field has been extensively exploited, but new toys are always 



68 John Louis Waters & Company 



that we guarantee the sale or disposal of inventions on which 
we secure U. S. Patent. 

Usual Terms of Purchase 

Various manufacturers offer various terms of payment for 
inventions which they consider available for their use. 

Sometimes the patent on an invention is bought outright 
for a stipulated cash consideration and the inventor relinquishes 
all his rights in and to his invention. 

Frequently the manufacturer agrees to make and sell the 
invention and to pay the inventor a royalty or percentage on 
each article sold. This is the best plan if the invention proves 
to be a commercial success and finds a ready, steady sale. 

Perhaps the inventor may go into partnership with others to 
make and sell his invention, in which case he assigns his patent 
to the partnership in exchange for a stipulated interest or share 
in the business. 

A popular plan is to organize a Stock Company or Corpora- 
tion, in which case the inventor usually receives stock in 
exchange for his patent. If the concern becomes successful, 
this stock may become very valuable and yield substantial 
cash dividends. Many of the huge corporations of today had 
as their foundation some meritorious invention which was 
properly protected by U. S. patent, for example. The American 
Telephone and Telegraph Co., The Victor Talking Machine 
Co., The Ford Motor Co., The Mergenthaler Co., The Lanston 
Monotype Co., and many others. 

Still other inventors, especially where their invention consists 
of some simple, inexpensive device, have found it profitable to 
do their own manufacturing, and either entrust the selling to 
some sales organization or handle that, too, themselves. For- 
tunes are being made on simple patented novelties and special- 

«> <§> ^ ^ ^ WHAT TO INVENT ^ <$><$><$> ^ 

in demand. Simplicity is to be kept in view in toys, as the cost of manu- 
facture is an item of first importance. However, in the line of electrically 
operated toys which convey an elementary knowledge of electricity the cost 
is of secondary consideration, novelty and originality being the essentials. 
In Germany the manufacture of toys is an important industry, and it is 
also an item of importance in this country. As expensive plants are ordi- 
narily not required for the manufacture of toys, patents in this line are 
easily marketed. 

122. A fortune awaits the man who will invent a good substitute for 
leather. Nobody has yet succeeded in approaching it, unless it be an in- 
ventor who has patented a fabric which he proposes to use, in particular, 
as a material for the inner soles of shoes and boots, though it may^be em- 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 69 

ties which may be manufactured at low cost and sold at from 
25 cents to $5.00, at a large profit, and there is always a steady 
demand for such inventions if possessing sufficient merit. 

Our Lists of Patent Buyers 

It is part of our regular business routine to keep in touch 
with manufacturers, promoters, investors and other likely 
purchasers of patents in order to have on hand at all times a 
list of parties who have actually signified in wTiting their 
desire to consider patented inventions for possible purchase. 

This list of Patent Buyers is an ever-increasing one and its 
possible value to our clients cannot easily be overlooked by 
the inventor who desires assurance of real, earnest sales-help 
after the issue of his patent. 

After we have filed your application in the Patent Office, we 
will send you, upon request, a copy of this general list of patent 
buyers, being names and addresses of firms who have either 
corresponded with us relative to the purchase of patents, or 
whose names, as such, we have been able to secure from other 
sources. This list will be confined as nearly as possible to 
concerns interested only in the line to which your invention 
belongs; thus considerable time and expense is saved. 

If this general list should be insufficient in your case, we can 
prepare special lists of manufacturers in the line to which your 
invention belongs, for a very nominal sum, depending upon the 
number of names you desire. In this way you may get into 
direct communication with parties hkely to be interested in 
your invention. 

Any advice you may desire as to the best method, in our 
opinion, of approaching possible purchasers, will be given free 
of charge. 



^ ^ .t> <§> ^ WHAT TO INVENT ^ ^ <^ ^ ^ 

ployed for other purposes. It resembles what is known as split sole leather, 
but is much cheaper, and claims to be superior, being waterproof, as well 
as stronger. The manufacturer of this imitation leather uses the fine sole- 
leather dust given off by the buffing rolls used upon sole leather. Hitherto 
this dust has been a waste product, but the new invention combines it with 
gum and employs it in this shape to form a coating on one or both sides 
of canvas or other similar fabric. As it dries a sprinkling of dry leather 
dust is added, and the fabric thus treated is passed between rollers, so as 
to cause the leather dust to be firmly imbedded in the fabric and combined 
with it. 

123. Inventors keep pace with the times, and encourage new "fads." 
This is demonstrated by the large number of patents recently granted on 



70 John Louis Waters & Company 

Listing in the Official Patent Office Gazette 

It is worth mentioning that as soon as your patent has been 
issued by the Patent Office it will be listed in the Official Gazette 
of the United States Patent Office, together with an illustra- 
tion taken from your official drawings. This Gazette is the 
largest and most important patent publication, is issued by 
the Government and has a tremendous circulation among 
manufacturers, promoters, and inventors all over the world. 

The Official Gazette is subscribed to regularly by hundreds 
of the largest manufacturers throughout the world in order 
that they may keep informed as to the new inventions and 
arrange with the patentees to purchase those which may be of 
particular value to them. 

In our opinion this listing of your patent in the Official 
Gazette far eclipses any form of newspaper or magazine adver- 
tising, and, in conjunction with the conservative but thoroughly 
practical service enumerated above, should eventually produce 
results in a fair average of cases. 

We wish to impress upon inventors that the successful dis- 
posal of a patent is not always accomplished in a week or a 
month. Many inventions, figuratively speaking, are ahead 
of the times. They are so far in advance of the present state 
of progress that their real worth is not recognized until several 
years after the issuance of the patents on same. But depend 
upon it, a meritorious invention will eventually score, and 
score heavily. All you have got to do with a meritorious 
invention at your back is to keep everlastingly at it, and you 
may rest assured that we will gladly cooperate with you in 
any way we can, in helping you dispose of any patents we 
secure for you. 



^ ^ ^ ^ ^ WHAT TO INVENT ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ 

golf sticks and paraphernalia used in the game of golf. The latest diver- 
sion in men's apparel is the shirt waist, and this demands a substitute for 
suspenders The belt has been universally adopted for summer wear by men, 
men, but it falls short both in appearance and comfort. The lucky inventor 
who devises a satisfactory substitute for suspenders will reap a rich harvest. 
124. The greatest inventions are not necessarily the most profitable. 
Small articles which may be cheaply made, and sold at a small price, are 
usually the most ready producers of profit. The public demands novelties, 
and the inventor must supply them. It may be a difficult matter to find a 
manufacturer and capitalist to promote a complicated machine, however 
meritorious, but comparatively easy to place a patent for a simple novelty 
which may be manufactured at little expense. 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 71 

Important 

A poorly prepared patent with narrow, weakly drawn claims 
is not easy to sell at any price, and it is vitally important that 
the specification and claims in your patent be carefully and 
properly prepared by an expert such as we employ exclusively. 

"Waters' patents are protective patents" because we aim 
in every instance to secure the allowance of the broadest 
possible claims for our clients in order to maintain the splendid 
reputation we have already established among inventors 
throughout the country. 

The Value of Attorneys 

The inventor will see the advantage to be derived from 
placing his business in the hands of only those who are specially 
skilled in patent work and its numerous branches. 

The inventor should never endeavor to prepare his own 
application. He is apt to leave valuable features of his in- 
vention unclaimed, and attach undue importance to some 
immaterial feature. Although he may have a good education, 
and a quick perception, and some knowledge of patent matters, 
he cannot have the necessary experience to insure absolute 
accuracy. This work should be done by a skilled and experi- 
enced patent lawyer. A claim properly drawn may mean 
wealth to the inventor, w^hereas one improperly drawn generally 
means the total loss of the invention. 

So important are the services of a reliable, trustworthy, and 
skillful attorney to inventors, that the Commissioner of Patents 
has, in the "Rules of Practice," issued this general warning: 
"iVs the value of patents depends largely upon the careful 
preparation of the specification and claims, the assistance 
of a competent counsel will, in most cases, be of advantage to 
the applicant, but the value of their services will be propor- 

^ ^ ^ <$> <^ WHAT TO INVENT <$> ^ ^ ^ <» 

125. A successful scheme for paving alongside street-car tracks is needed. 
Repairs to the paving next the rails is one of the largest items of main- 
tenance of way. The vibration due to the speed of the heavy cars shatters 
the edges of the pavement and the rain and weather do the rest. 

126. Tables have been invented for ocean steamers that purport to 
maintain an equilibrium of the articles contained thereon. These have gen- 
erally been constructed to, swing or sway, but the movements have been so 
abrupt that they are not practical for the purpose, and the way is open for 
someone to devise a simple table of this character having an easy move- 
ment without jar or vibration. 

127. An apparatus for aerial navigation. Great strides have been made 
in this art recently, and a number of partially successful devices have been 



72 John Louis Waters & Company 

tionate to their skill and honesty, and too much care cannot 
be exercised in their selection." 

How to Send Money 

In remitting to us always register letters containing money 
in the form of bills and fractional currency. Money orders, 
bank drafts, express orders, and personal checks are the safest 
methods of transmitting payments when letters are not 
registered. Never enclose remittances with models, as there 
is great risk of same being lost in transit. Make all checks 
payable to John Louis Waters & Co. If these suggestions are 
followed, the safe delivery of money to us is almost guaranteed. 

Danger in Delays 

The inventor who has carefully read the foregoing pages 
can scarcely fail to realize that Delays in Patents Matters are 
often Dangerous as they discourage diligence on the part of 
the inventor and encourage diligence on the part of rival in- 
ventors or unscrupulous parties. 

If you have conceived a new patentable idea you owe it to 
yourself and perhaps to those dependent upon you to PROTECT 
THAT IDEA. You should therefore arrange with us at once 
to take up your case and to see that you receive the fullest 
protection to which you may be entitled. 






^ <^ # ^ ^ WHAT TO INVENT ^ ^ ^ <$> <^ 

invented. There is still room for improvement, however, and the value for 
war purposes of some machine which may be propelled through the air 
cannot be overestimated. 

128. Government officials are studying constantly to devise rapid means 
for transporting the mail for the convenience of the public. A system by 
which letters, instead of being dropped into stationary boxes, can be placed 
into receptacles and carried by electricity or pneumatic power to the post- 
oflBce should solve the problem. 

129. Dispatching or block signaling on electric railroads is, strange to 
say, considerably behind the perfection reached on steam railroads, and 
questions connected with signaling or controlling the traffic at meeting 
points are among the most serious now engaging the attention of the man- 



Patent Attorneys, "Washington, D. C. 



73 




MR. MOORE'S PRIVATE OFFICE 



Has Never Been Better Treated 

Cincinnati, Ohio, 
427 E. Third Street, 
November 13, 1915. 
Mr. David P. Moore, Gen. Mgr., 
John Louis Waters & Company,' 
Warder Building, W^ashington. 

My Dear Mr. Moore: 

In answer to your letters, in which you asked me to express my honest 
opinion of the service you have rendered me in the handling of my various 
patent matters, I must say in all sincerity that I have never been better 
treated by any other patent attorney throughout my experience as an 
inventor. 

I consider one of the principal features of your service is the noticeable 
promptness with which you file applications in the Patent Office and 
prosecute the cases of your clients. 

I consider the fact that I have placed three cases in your hands, and have 
recommended you far and wide, shows pretty well what I think of you. 

I have other patent work which will be turned over to you in due time. 

As you know, I have already sold State rights in two of the inventions 
you are handling for me, and I now have a promised deal on hand for the 
other. 

Altogether, I am thoroughly pleased with what you have done for me, 
and I beg to remain always, 

Your friend, 

FRANK H. HOUGHLAND. 



74 



John Louis Waters & Company 




A VIEW OF OUR DRAFTING DEPARTMENT 



A Later Letter From Mr. Houghland 

Cincinnati, Ohio, 

November 29, 1915. 
John Louis Waters & Co., 

Washington, D. C. 
Gentlemen: 

1 have made arrangements with a good concern to manufacture Case 
No. 1 ON ROYALTY and also to connect with them. 

Yours, 

F. H. HOUGHLAND. 



^ 



<^ 



<^ 



^ 



^ 



Says We Succeeded Where Others Failed 

Amsterdam, N. Y., 

57 Gray Street, 
November 6, 1915. 
John Louis Waters & Co. 

Dear Sirs: , • • 

I shall be pleased to recommend your firm to anyone desiring a patent. 
After two years having my Undergarment in two patent agents' hands 
and failed, you were successful, and am highly pleased in your methods of 
doing business. You have the privilege of using my name in your testi- 
monial book. Wishing you success in the future. 

Truly yours, 

AUGUSTUS BELOTTI. 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 7.5 



1 , ' *m--^ 


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A CORNER OF OUR CORRESPONDENCE AND RECORD DEPARTMENT 

Surprised at Strength and Breadth of Claims 

Attention of David P. Moore, Esq. Washington, D. C, 

John Louis Waters & Co., November 10, 1915. 

Washington, D. C. 
Gentlemen: 

It gives me great pleasure to hear that my case has at last been approved. 
I realize that it was a very difficult one, yet you seem to have brought it 
out with ease. Since you filed my case I have made a number of improve- 
ments. 

I have recommended your firm to a number of persons and friends, and 
will continue to do so, for I think you to be thoroughly reliable, capable, 
and energetic in your efforts to serve your clients. 

Knowing the kind of claims most of the patent attorneys get for their 
clients, I was surprised when I saw how strong and broad the claims of my 
case were. 

I feel satisfied to state that no one will make a mistake by employing the 
firm of John Louis Waters & Co., of this city. 

Yours very sincerely, 

WILLIAM S. HART. 

^ <^ ^ <^ <^ 

How Our Clients Talk About Us to Others 

Mandeville, La. 
Mr. Chas. R. Gantz, September 17, 1915. 

Baltimore, Md. 
Dear Sir: 

Regarding yours of the 15th will say that the patent attorneys, John L. 
Waters, are O. K. in every way. 

I thank them for referring to me, as I have reason to know that they will 
treat you white and right. 

Respectfully yours, 

J. D. WINTZ. 



76 John Louis Waters & Company- 



Says Our Technical Work is of Highest Grade 

Belton, Texas, 
November 22, 1915. 
To Whom It May Concern: 

After having employed Messrs. John Louis Waters and Company, 
Patent Attorneys, of Washington, D. C, to prepare and prosecute before 
the United States Patent Office an application for patent, we take pleasure 
in stating that their services have been entirely satisfactory throughout 
our dealings with them. 

We have found them prompt in the preparation of the application papers 
and drawings, their technical work in this connection being of the 
highest grade. 

They were also prompt in filing our application in the Patent Office, 
and in the successful prosecution of the same. 

Our application for patent was allowed in a reasonable length of time 
after the filing thereof, and we feel no hesitancy in recommending them 
as a thoroughly reliable and competent firm of patent attorneys. 

Signed, 

ECHOLS & ZINDLER. 

Per E. B. Echols. 



^ <^ ^ ^ ^ 



September 17, 1915.- 

My dealings with John Louis Waters & Co., have been satisfactory. 
You will make no mistake in doing business with them. You will find it 
a pleasure. 

JOSEPH MARSHALL. 



^ ^ ^ ^ ^ WHAT TO INVENT <$><§> <^ ^ <^ 

agers of the inter-urban lines. There are two general ways of dealing with 
this problem, first by telegraphic dispatching, and second by electric block 
signals, automatic or otherwise. The possibility of using the tracks for 
signaling purpose on steam roads gives an immense advantage over electric 
roads in automatic signaling. The block system used on some electric 
railroads is not practically feasible by reason of the necessity of rail in- 
sulation in ground structures. On lines with dirt ballast and where one 
rail of the track cannot be spaced from the return circuit for the purpose 
of signaling, this plan is not available. The discovery of a simple and 
practical signaling device or mechanism for electric railroads will prove a 
source of material income to the successful inventor. 

130. In connection with sea travel, another avenue to wealth is open to 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 77 

PART THREE 
Patents in Foreign Countries 

THE United States Patent Laws apparently contemplate 
that an invention patented here is also worthy of pro- 
tection abroad, in the principal countries at least. In 
many countries a Patent obtained after the invention is patented 
elsewhere is invalid and worthless. For this reason it is of 
vital consequence that Foreign Patents be applied for 
before the final Government fee, for the United States Patent, 
is paid into the Patent Office. 

In many instances the foreign patents secured on inventions 
originally patented in this country have proven of equal or 
greater value than the United States Patents. 

This is only natural when one considers that the population 
of the United States represents only a small portion of the 
world's population and that many inventions in demand here 
are just as much in demand in other countries. 

If you value your idea you should fully protect it in every 
country in which it is at all likely to become successful. 

Our laws provide a period of six months after your appli- 
cation is allowed at any time within which the final Govern- 
ment fee may be paid, thus enabling you to complete financial 
arrangements for the taking out of valid Foreign Patents. 
Your allowed United States application is held secret until 
the final Government fee is paid, so that no one can apply in 
foreign countries ahead of you. 

For the convenience of inventors the countries foremost in 
importance are treated here and costs stated. If your United 
States Patent application required more than one sheet of 

^ ^ <^ <^ ^ WHAT TO INVENT ^ <$^ ^ ^ <^ 

inventors, for second only in importance to preventing collisions and acci- 
dents at sea is the loss of life which results from such accidents. While 
lifeboats of various construction and of more or less merit are now carried 
as part of the equipment of sea-going vessels, perfection in this line has by 
no means been reached, and there is an absolute demand for meritorious 
and practical improvements in this line. Any invention which will add to 
the present safeguards for ocean travelers should be successful financially, 
as well as a contribution to the cause of humanity. 



78 John Louis Waters & Company 

drawings, add $10 for each sheet in excess of one, to the amount 
quoted for each country. 

Canada 

Owing to the close proximity of Canada to the United 
States and the brisk and augmenting commercial intercourse 
between the two peoples, every inventor should avail himself 
of the great advantage to be gained by taking out a Canadian 
Patent. 

Canada embraces the provinces of British Columbia, Nova 
Scotia, Prince Edward's Island, Manitoba, Ontario, New 
Brunswick, and the Northwest Territory, a vast domain 
greater in area than the United States. 

The whole outlay required to secure a Canadian Patent is 
$45, which includes the Government tax, agency, and all 
charges for the patent. 

Important. — Unless you can file your application in Canada 
withing three months from date of your United States Patent 
you should not fail to lodge a "Notice of Intention to Apply." 
Otherwise you can not stop anyone who commenced the 
manufacture of your invention in Canada before issuance of 
Patent there. For the preparation and filing of the Notice 
our charge is $5. We would advise that you file application 
for Patent within three months from issue of United States 
Patent, and thereby save the cost of the notice. The sooner 
you file the better. 

England 

The commercial importance of England is such that no 
intelligent person can fail to comprehend the momentous 
benefits to be realized from patenting a meritorious inven- 
tion there. The English capitalist is quick to invest liberally, 
because he well knows the ready recognition of the skill of 
our inventors in all portions of the world. 

An English Patent covers England, Scotland, Ireland, 
Wales, and the Isle of Man, aggregating a population of nearly 
40,000,000. 

The total cost is $70 before issuance of United States Patent 
and $80 after issuance thereof; which charges include the 
Government fee. 

Provisional protection endures for six months, and may 
be obtained under the English Patent laws. Total cost, $25. 
To file application complete after provisional protection and 
obtain Patent, $50. Term, fourteen vears. 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 79 



France and Colonies 

—The term of a French patent is fifteen years, and 
includes Algeria, Senegal, French Soudan, Dahomey, French 
Congo, Madagascar, French Indo China, Martinique, Guade- 
loupe, French Guiana, New Caledonia, Tahiti, etc. Next to 
England in value to the patentee is France. Her manufac- 
turers are enterprising and quick to appreciate and adopt 
inventions of American origin. 

Germany and Colonies 

$70. — The term of a German patent is fifteen years. Ger- 
man design patent, term three years, $35; extension for three 
years longer, $30. German patents include Germany, Ger- 
man East and South West Africa, Kameron and Togo Land, 
German Papua, Bismarck, Archipelago, Caroline Islands, 
Kiou-Chui, etc. Germany is progressive and is rapidly adopt- 
ing and perfecting American methods. 

Belgium 

The cost of a Belgian patent is $40; term, twenty years, 
Belgium is the manufacturing center for a large part of Europe, 
and is one of the most desirable countries in which an American 
inventor can apply for patent protection. 

Denmark, $70; term, fifteen years. 

Norway, $70; term, fifteen years. 

Sweden, $70; term, fifteen years. 

Switzerland, $60; term, fifteen years. 

Portugal, $100; term, fifteen years. 

Spain, ^65; term, twenty years. 

Italy, $65; term, fifteen years. 

Russia 

The cost of a Russian patent is $90; term, fifteen years. A 
valid patent can be obtained in Russia after the issue of the 
United States patent. The Russian Empire includes Russia, 
Poland and Siberia, and covers the enormous territory of 
10,000,000 square miles. Its population is three times that of 
any European country. Russia is a continent in itself, and 
is one of the most prominent fields for American inventors. 

Hungary, $70; term, fifteen years. 

Austria, $70; term, fifteen years. 

Turkey, $100; term, fifteen years. 



80 John Louis Waters & Company 



Mexico 

The cost of a Mexican patent is $75; term, twenty years. 
America is now connected with all parts of Mexico by rail, 
and our commercial relations are therefore very close. Great 
progress has been made in Mexico of late and a great number 
of factories are located there. Patents on mining machinery 
are especially valuable. 

Asia 

India, $80; term, fourteen years. 

The patent covers all of British India, including Burmah; 
population, 300,000,000. The application should be filed 
within one year of the issue of the United States patent. 

Ceylon, $175 ; term, fourteen years. 

Empire of China, $100. 

Japan, $100; term, fifteen years. 

Africa 

Cape Colony, $125; term, fourteen years. 

Natal, $100; term, fourteen years. 

Egypt, $125; term, same as applicant's United States Patent. 

Central America 

Honduras, $175; term, ten years. 

Nicaragua, $175; term five to ten years. 

Costa Rica, $225; term, same as United States Patent. 

West Indies 

Cuba, $90; term, seventeen years. 
Jamaica, $125. 
Trinidad, $140. 
Barbados, $100. 
Bahama Islands, $125. 

South America 

Brazil, $125; term, fifteen years. "^ 

Argentine Republic — Patents are granted for five, ten, and 
fifteen years; cost respectively, $130, $175, and $280. 

Chili, $230; term, ten years. 

Peru, $280; term, ten years. 

United States of Columbia — Patents are granted for five, 
ten, fifteen, and twenty years; cost respectively, $140, $190, 
$240 and $290. 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 81 



The Australian Commonwealth 

The Australian colonies of Victoria, New South Wales, 
Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and West Australia 
have been formed into a commonwealth. One patent only 
is necessary now, where six formerly were required. The 
cost of the new Commonwealth patent, which is granted for 
fourteen years, is $95. An inventor cannot afford to neglect 
to secure a patent in the Australian Commonwealth, as the 
country is progressive and rich. On account of the gold and 
copper mining industries the population is rapidly increasing. 
Coal, iron, tin and other mineral wealth abound. The pro- 
duction of wool is greater than that of any other country 
in the world. Immense tracts of land are being opened to 
cultivation and settlement. The increasing activity demands the 
introduction of inventions and labor-saving devices and systems 
of every character. The prosperity of Australia is evidenced 
by the fact that the standard of living and the consumption 
of commodities per capita are the highest in the world. 

New Zealand 

The cost of a patent in New Zealand is $50; term, fourteen 
years. The same progressiveness and commercial activity 
are apparent in New Zealand as in the Australian Common- 
wealth. 

Special Offer 

American inventors, owing to special facilities afforded, 
take out more patents in Canada, England, Germany, France, 
and Belgium than any other countries. These five countries 
will secure to the inventor the exclusive monopoly of his in- 
vention among 145,000,000 of the most enterprising and pro- 
gressive people of the world. When patents are ordered in 
all of these countries at the same time we make a special rate 
of $265 for them, which, as will be noted, is a considerable 
reduction from the rates quoted for these countries separately. 

Combination Rates 

By special arrangements with our foreign agents, we are 
able to offer reduced rates when applications in two or more 
countries are filed at the same time. The following groups 
of countries have been specially selected with a view of re- 
ducing the total cost to the minimum, and a comparison of 
the charges named with those for the same countries singly 
will show the saving to the applicant: 



82 John Louis Waters & Company 



Great Britain, France, Belgium and Canada $195 

France, Italy and Belgium 145 

Germany, Austria and Hungary 190 

Great Britain, Germany, France and Canada 225 

Sweden, Norway and Denmark 190 

Brazil and Mexico 180 

Canada and Mexico 100 

The charges quoted in the above hst include the total cost 
of securing patents in the respective countries. We wish to 
state with emphasis that the figures quoted include all costs, 
without any extra charge whatever for securing the foreign 
patents, including our fee, Government fees, drawings, etc. We 
make this statement because our charges are considerably 
lower than those asked by others, and our clients are con- 
tinually asking us if our fees cover the total cost for foreign 
patents. 

General Instructions 

Select the country or countries in which you want a patent, 
and remit $5 for each country named. We will then send 
you apphcation papers for approval and execution, according 
to the schedule of prices; or, if you prefer, send the full amount 
in the first remittance. 

An important exception to the rule that Foreign Patents 
niust be applied for before issue of United States Patent, 
occurs when the United States Patent has issued early enough 
to admit of the filing of foreign cases within twelve months 
of the date of filing of the United States case. 

Also, issue of a Foreign Patent before applying in the United 
States will not invalidate United States Patent if application 
is filed within twelve months from date on which foreign 
application was filed. 

Trade-Marks in Foreign Countries 

Trade-marks can be registered in foreign countries having 
treaties with the United States. The total cost of procuring 
trade-marks in foreign countries is as follows: 

Great Britain $30.00 

Germany 30.00 

France 25.00 

Austria 30.00 

Russia 40.00 

Italy 35.00 

Spain 30.00 

Belgium .• 30.00 

Norway 35.00 

Sweden -: 35.00 

Denmark 35.00 

Switzerland 25.00 

Canada 40.00 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 83 



Says We Have Given Him a Strong Legal Patent 

Lebanon, N. H., 
John Louis Waters & Co. August 1, 1915. 

Gentlemen: 
I am in receipt of U. S. Patent No. 1,147,943 which you obtained for me 
on Faucet. Am much pleased with the way you have drawn up the claims 
on the invention and think you have given me a strong legal patent. 
Thanking you for the work you have done in getting this, I am, 

Verv truly yours, 

CHAS. M. HOFFMAN. 

# ^ <^ <#> # 

The Orange Judd Co. Recommends Us to a Subscriber 

Waters & Companv, 

4289 Warder Bldg., Washington, D. C. 
Gentlemen: 

We have given your address to Mr. Chester Guild, 4th, R. F. D. No. 3, 
Concord, N. H., who wanted to know the address of a Patent Attorney. 

I suggest that you get in touch with him and give him particulars of 
your service. 

He is a subscriber to the New England Homestead. 

Very truly yours, 

ORANGE JUDD COMPANY. 
THOS. A. BARRETT, 
TAB-T Manager in New York. 

<#> ^ ^ <#> ^ 

m 

Praises Our Promptness 

Messrs. John Louis Waters & Co., November 10, 1915. 

Washington, D. C. 
Gentlemen: 

I am pleased to receive the receipt from the Patent Office and the serial 
number on my last invention. 

And I wish to express my gratitude to you for your thorough and prompt 
work, and to also add that during my thirty years of experience as an 
inventor I have never received my serial number so quickly after appli- 
cation. 

Yours very truly, 

E. J. BENEDICT, 

2653 Olive St., 
St. Louis, Mo. 
^ ^ ^ ^ <^ 

Lowell, Mass., 
November 16, 1915. 
Messrs. John Louis Waters & Co., Patent Attorneys, 

Warder Bldg., Washington, D. C. 
My Dear Sirs: 

I wrote you some time ago expressing my hearty approval of the service 
you rendered me in securing patent on my Aerial Toy. 

I now want to thank you for having also secured the allowance of appli- 
cation for patent on my second invention placed in your hands. 

You surely deserve praise for your good work. I never lose sight of an 
opportunity to speak a good word for your firm. 
Wishing you continued success, I am. 

Cordially yours, JOAO TOST A. 



84 John Louis Waters & Company 



Could Not Ask for Better Treatment From His Own Brother 

Jesup, Iowa, 
John Louis Waters & Co., Patent Attorneys, November 19, 1915. 

Washington, D. C. 
Dear Sirs: 

I find it hard for me to express in words the deep feeling of gratitude and 
thanks for the business courtesy and very evident friendship you have 
shown me in the handling of my application for patent. 

From the start you have been prompt in every stage of my case. 

During my long period of illness you kept me duly informed as to the 
condition of my case, and promptly prosecuted the same. 

You can hardly realize how much I appreciate this. Your treatment of 
me has made me feel as though I had been doing business with you for 
years, and in reality it is not yet one whole year. 

Needless to say I was delighted to receive the official notice of allowance 
which you sent me a short while ago. 

You may rest assured. Gentlemen, that all my future patent business 
will be placed in your hands, as I could not ask for better treatment from 
my own brother. 

Gratefully yours, 

MAT. JNO. FROST. 

<#> <^ <^ # ^ 
Gratifying to Have Placed Case in Our Hands 

John Louis Waters & Co., Tellico Plains, Tenn., 

Washington, D. C. November 19, 1915. 

Gentlemen: 

Your favor of October 29th, enclosing notice of allowance in the matter 
of my Saw Setting Tool, which was filed August 9, 1915, and allowed Octo- 
ber 27, 1915, just one month and eighteen days from the date of filing, has 
been received. 

It is certainly gratifying to me to have placed my case in your hands, 
and I feel that any person desiring the services of competent and courteous 
attorneys cannot make a mistake in sending their work to you. 

I shall be pleased to recommend you to any of my friends, and you may 
rest assured that any future work that I may have will be sent to you. 

Yours very truly, 

JOHN M. MURPHY. 

^ ^ ^ <$> <$> 

Fall River, Mass., 

34 Concord Street, 
November 16, 1915. 
Messrs. John Louis Waters & Co., Patent Attorneys, 

Washington, D. C. 
Dear Sirs: 

In answer to your letter will say that I am perfectly satisfied with every- 
thing you have done for me in the handling of all of my cases. 

In the matter of my Picker Stick Check Device, you will recall that the 
patent was issued to me on October 5th. 

In the other two cases I appreciate the fact that you are doing your best, 
and I know that,if it is possible to secure patents you will do so. 
I hope to do a lot more business with you in the future. 

Cordiallv yours, 

JOSEPH F. VAILLAN COURT. 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 85 

PART FOUR 
How We Can Serve You 

WE CANNOT urge upon you too strongly the care you 
should exercise in selecting your patent attorney. 
In fact, the Commissioner of Patents himself in the 
official book, "Rules of Practices in the United States Patent 
Office," advises inventors as follows: "To employ a competent 
attorney, as the value of patents depends largely upon the 
skillful preparation of the specification and claims." 

In order for an inventor to secure the fullest protection 
warranted by the novelty of his invention it is absolutely 
essential that his interests, in the procurement of a patent, 
have the personal care and attention of a skilled patent at- 
torney, for otherwise, though no difficulty be experienced in 
obtaining the patent, sooner or later, and just at a time when 
success seems to be in his grasp, the discovery is apt to be 
made that his patent, upon which he has depended to bring 
him financial profit, is so unnecessarily limited and restricted 
in the protection it affords that it is practically worthless and 
he finds that his time, money, and labor have been wasted. 

With the inventor the incentive of his efforts is financial 
remuneration as a dividend on his genius. It is a practical 
business proposition with him, with financial gain as the goal, 
or he would not devote his time nor his money to the business. 
Therefore, let us say, that a patent attorney with professional 
standing occupies as important a position with respect to an 
inventor as steam to a locomotive. Without the assistance of 
a competent patent attorney the genius of the inventor is 
often rendered valueless. Without steam the value of the 
locomotive as an aid to transportation is nil. 

Our qualifications and professional standing as patent 
attorneys are universally recognized, and therefore we feel 
justified in soliciting the business of inventors and such others 
as may desire skillful and capable service in patent matters of 
any nature whatsoever. We will gladly furnish on request 
from you the names of clients for whom we have handled patent 
business and who, in every case, have nothing but the highest 
praise for our methods. 

Registered Patent Attorneys 

We deem it important to inform those contemplating enter- 
ing into business relations with us that EACH OF THE IN- 



86 John Louis Waters & Company 



DIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF OUR FIRM IS A REGISTERED 
PATENT ATTORNEY IN GOOD STANDING. 

Our member in charge of legal work such as infringements 
and other matters coming within the jurisdiction of the courts 
is a member of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals of 
the District of Columbia. 

Thus all patent and legal matters entrusted to us are handled 
personally by, or under the direct personal supervision of, 
individual members of our firm who are technically and pro- 
fessionally competent in their respective lines. 

Ours is a completely organized staff of experts in their 
respective lines who are thoroughly capable of handling in a 
most efficient manner the important work of our clients which 
is entrusted to them. 

The following departments make up our efficient business 
organization : 

Search Department, through which all searches of patent 
office records pertaining to patents, trade-marks, etc., are 
properly made and reported to the proper parties for final 
review and opinion as to the probable patentability or registra- 
bility of the respective matter. 

Correspondence and Research Department, which handles 
the entire volume of correspondence from inventors, clients, 
manufacturers, investors, the United States Patent Office and 
others. It is the aim of this department to answer promptly 
all correspondence on the day it is received in our oflice. 

Specification Department. — ^Upon the shoulders of this im- 
portant department falls the grave responsibility of preparing 
the necessary application papers, including the specifications 
and claims in connection with every case which goes through 
our offices. This may call for papers covering a simple device 
such as an improved clothes pin or a complicated mechanical 
structure such as an automatic train controlling device or a 
new system of wireless telegraphy. 

Drafting Department. — In this department all of the Official 
Patent Office drawings required in our various cases are 
prepared by skilled draftsmen whose long association with 
patent attorneys and knowledge of the necessary require- 
ments as prescribed by the Patent Office, equips them to 
properly illustrate the necessary and salient features of each 
invention. 

Legal Department. — ^To this department are referred all legal 
questions and matters within the jurisdiction of the courts 
such as infringement, damage, and breach of contract suits, 
etc. It also handles the preparation of legal documents, 
contracts, etc., as may be needed by our clients. 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 87 

Foreign Patent Department. — All matters pertaining to the 
preparation and prosecution of patent and trade-mark 
cases in the foreign countries are handled through this de- 
partment in conjunction with our agencies in the capitals of 
the various iniportant countries. As the proper protection 
of the rights of our clients often depends upon the securing 
of valid foreign patents this branch of our work is given 
special attention. 

Filing and Record Department. — The work of this department 
is of the utmost importance as upon it depends the proper 
filing and recording in our office, of all correspondence, 
drawings, models, and data pertaining to the inventions of 
our clients and others and the filing at the proper time in the 
Patent Office of application papers, amendments and all 
other papers connected with our client's cases. 
This department, by a clever system, keeps a close watch on 
the progress of every case and keeps the client warned of 
possible pending abandonment or lapse of his case. 

When you employ John Louis Waters & Company you have 
at your disposal the services of our entire organization if neces- 
sary in the proper handling of your case, whether the amount 
involved be large or small. 

Our Methods 

A patent attorney to properly serve his clients must see that 
the methods he employs in his practice are above reproach and 
in accordance with the Rules of Practice prescribed by the 
United States Patent Office. 

We openly invite the closest investigation of the methods 
employed by us in every branch of our practice. If you have 
friends in Washington ask them to call upon us — ^have your 
Congressman or Senator investigate our references — or you 
may write to any of our clients whose names appear herein, 
in which case we advise that you enclose a stamped envelope 
for their reply. 

We solicit the handling of your patent interests because we 
believe we are as well if not better equipped to faithfully serve 
you than others who must resort to flagrant, sensational 
methods to get business and who have no real interest in the 
securing of really protective patents or in the possible future 
success of their clients. 

Our Charges and Terms 

In the case of every invention which after a careful search we 
report in our opinion patentable we invariably quote the com- 



88 John Louis Waters & Company 

plete cost of securing a patent, including all government fees 
and our fees in full. 

There are no "extras" to be paid for later. On the contrary 
the inventor is advised just how much he must expend to secure 
a patent, and there are no misunderstandings or future disagree- 
ments in regard to our charges. 

It has frequently been remarked upon that, despite the 
exceptionally high-grade of our service and the excellent 
results we have secured for a large percentage of our clients, 
our charges are no higher than, and in many cases not as high 
as, those of other attorneys rendering much inferior service. 

In this connection it is well to remark that the price charged 
by an attorney in no way indicates the quality, strength and 
value of the patents he secures, unless they be so low as to 
prevent him from rendering a high grade of service and from 
employing competent assistants. 

Our charges are as low as is consistent with the very best 
grade of professional and technical service, and no attorney, 
even though his charges be double our own, could possibly 
render more efficient and valuable service. * 

Our Credit System 

Needless to say our Credit System for the payment of our 
fees has proved a boon to many an inventor who would other- 
wise be held back and prevented from protecting his rights 
because of temporary or permanent financial embarrassment. 
Any client of our firm has the privilege at any time of placing 
one or more cases in our hands for preparation and prosecution 
under the terms of our Credit System, knowing that upon our 
receipt of his first payment the application papers in his case 
will be prepared just as promptly and with the same care and 
skill as though he had paid us every penny cash in advance. 

We combine the very highest grade of really efficient service 
with terms of payment which enable inventors in reduced 
financial circumstances to secure the probable benefits of our 
superior knowledge instead of being forced to employ a cheap, 
incompetent attorney whose patent, even if he secured one, 
would probably be worthless. 

Cheap patent work never pays the inventor any more than 
it pays to employ a cheap doctor, dentist or other professional 
man. Good work of any kind costs more because it is worth 
more. 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 89 



Our Clients Recommend Us 

Our most valuable asset is the good will of our ever-increas- 
ing list of satisfied clients who are continually recommending 
us to their friends and inventors in general. 

A generous proportion of our growing practice is procured 
through the recommendations and praises of our clients. 

Mr. Harry Verwer, of Oakland, Cal., remarked in one of his 
letters, "I placed my case with you because everyone out here 
who knows you is a booster for you." 

Scarcely a day passes that does not bring one or more letters 
from inventors who want to place their work with us because 
"so-and-so" spoke so highly of the work we did for him. 

To more fully realize just what our clients think read the 
letters from some of them which we print herein. 

Patents and "Patents" 

There are any number of inventors who think that a patent 
is a patent under any circumstances as long as it bears the 
ribbon and seal of the Patent Office. 

But there are GOOD PATENTS which properly cover 
and fully protect the invention and WORTHLESS PATENTS 
which do not. 

We have won the enviable reputation of striving to the 
utmost in every case we handle to secure the allowance of the 
broadest claims which will secure to our client the fullest 
possible protection. 

It has been our persistence in the prosecution of cases which 
has enabled us to win where other attorneys have failed and 
which has caused inventors to place cases in our hands after 
having dealt with other attorneys for years. 

You don't merely want a "patent" — ^you want a protective 
patent which covers every patentable detail of your invention 
and which you will not feel ashamed to submit for the considera- 
tion of any manufacturer or expert in the land. 

Let us secure your patent and you will be assured of the 
broadest possible protection. 

We Are Noted for Our Promptness 

Promptness on the part of the inventor is of little or no 
avail unless it is linked with equal promptness on the part of 
his attorney in the preparation, filing and prosecution of his 
case. 

Mr. E. J. Benedict, of St. Louis, Mo., remarked in a letter 
acknowledging receipt of filing by us of his application, "During 



90 John Louis Waters & Company 

my thirty years' experience as an inventor I have never received 
my serial number so quickly after application." 

In many cases where an early allowance is especially re- 
quested by the client we will respond to an official action the 
day it is received by us — or where the occasion demards we 
interview the Examiner personally ard in this way have either 
hastened allowances or have secured allowances which out-of- 
town attorneys might have lost or delayed. We can properly 
prepare your application papers and have them on file in the 
Patent Office in less time than it would take some attorneys to 
fully grasp your invention. 

If you appreciate the importance of promptness in Patent 
matters, you should place your business in the hands of attorneys 
who are noted for their promptness as we are. 

In this connection, inventors will save much valuable time 
and materially hasten the preparation of their cases if in send- 
ing a sketch, model or photograph to us for search and opinion 
they will at the same time send an initial payment of not less 
than $10. 

This will insure that the application papers will be prepared 
immediately upon the invention being found, in our opinion, 
patentable. 

Coining to Washington 

Inventors and others having business before the United 
States Patent Office are cordially invited to come to Washington 
and interview us personally in regard to their patent matters. 
Thus they are at perfect liberty to make our offices their head- 
quarters for the receiving and answering of mail, and our close 
proximity to the Patent Office should prove a decided con- 
venience. 

How To Send Models, Etc. 

In sending sketches or drawings to be searched, we advise 
that you wrap them securely and send by Registered Mail, 
especially if remittance of any amount accompanies them. 
Send models by insured Express or Parcel Post. 

Do not send letters or remittances wi-apped with models, 
but be sure to label models inside of the wrapping with your 
name and address. 

All sketches, models, photographs or other data are properly 
dated and marked for identification on reaching our office. 

Keeping in Touch with Manufacturers 

It is part of our service to our clients in general to keep 
constantly in touch with manufacturers in various lines, who 
are most likely to be in the market for the purchase of manu- 
facturing rights to new patented inventions of merit. 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 91 

All correspondence from manufacturers is classified and their 
names comprise our general lists of patent buyers. 

We will appreciate being sent the names and addresses of 
any firms or individuals interested in the purchase of patents 
and guarantee to heartily cooperate with them in arranging for 
the purchase of patents from our clients. 

Refer Your Friends To Us 

No doubt among your friends or acquaintances there is 
at least one, who to your knowledge is interested in perfecting 
or patenting a new invention. 

Send us the names and addresses of any such parties and we 
will at once offer our services and help in the handling of their 
patent matters. For every person, not already our client, 
who is influeneed by you to apply for a patent through us, we 
will in recognition of your services to us send you a check on 
our bank and payable to your order for the sum of $5. 

Our check will be sent you as soon as the party referred by 
you has paid our Attorney's Fee, the Government Filing Fee, 
and the Cost of Official Drawings. 

If you have a wide acquaintance among inventors you may 
in this way secure enough to entirely cover the cost of patent 
on one of your own inventions. 

A Final Word 

In closing, the most important thing we can say is but a 
repetition — "Delays in Patent Matters Are often Dangerous," 
and we cannot impress upon you too strongly the importance of 
sending us a sketch, model, or photograph of your invention 
at once. 

We will immediately search the Patent Office Records and 
will advise you promptly whether or not in our opinion your 
invention is patentable — if so, we can then proceed with the 
preparation and prosecution of your case on receipt of instruc- 
tions from you. 

Keep this book and read it often — refer to it — and may this 
mark but the beginning of a long business relationship which 
we shall do our best to make mutually agreeable and satis- 
factory. 

JOHN LOUIS WATERS & CO. 

PATENT ATTORNEYS 

Warder Building Washington, D. C 

"Across the Street from the Patent Office." ^ 



Notice to Manufacturers 

Manufacturers in all lines who desire to 
purchase U. S. or Foreign Patent Rights 
to inventions of merit are urged to write us 
specifying the line or lines in which they 
wish to acquire manufacturing rights. 

Many valuable patents on practical ideas 
are issued through our offices, and we desire 
to assist our clients to the utmost in disposing 
of their patent rights to reputable manu- 
facturing concerns who will promote them in 
the most able manner. 

We make no charge for the services of our 
experts in cooperating with manufacturers 
who desire to consider for purchase or lease 
the patent rights of our clients. 

Write us your wants. 

JOHN LOUIS WATERS & COMPANY 
Patent Attorneys 

Warder Building Washington, D. C. 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 93 



INDEX TO CONTENTS 

Page. 

David Pelton Moore, A Sketch 3 

Introduction 4—6 

Confidence 7 

What To Invent 8-77 

PART I 

Patent Profits and Possibilities 8 

What Others Have Done 8 

How To Gain Profit by Invention 14 

Good Patents on Good Inventions Always Salable 17 

Will It Pay to Secure a Patent 18 

Simplicity Not a Bar to Success 19 

You Should Study Our List of What to Invent 19 

Growth of Civilization Demands New Inventions 20 

Prizes Offered for Inventions 21 

Inventions Often Best Investments 21 

Importance of Fully Protecting Your Ideas 22 

PART II 

How to Obtain a Patent, Trade Mark or Copyright 27 

Who May Obtain a Patent 27 

What May Be Patented 27 

Our Certificate of Patentability . 31 

How to Hasten Your Case 32 

The Cost of a Patent 32 

Itemized Schedule of Charges 33 

Our Terms of Payment 34 

Our Credit System 34 

Advantages of Our Credit System 35 

Preparation and Prosecution of a Case 36 

The Application 36 

The Claims 37 

Prosecuting the Case before the Patent Office 39 

The Official Drawings 40 

Term of a Patent 42 

Time Necessary to Secure a Patent 42 

Joint Applications 43 

Manufacturing and Selling before Issue of Patent 43 

Obtaining Financial Assistance 44 

Assignments 44 

Contracts, Licenses, etc 45 

Transfers of Patent Rights 45 

Copies of Patents 46 

Copies of Specifications and Claims before Issue 46 

Rejected Applications 46 

Reissues 48 

Appeals 49 

Appeal to Board of Examiners-in-Chief 49 

Appeal to Commissioner of Patents in Person 49 

Appeal to Court of Appeals of District of Columbia 49 

Interferences ,,..,. 50 



94 John Louis Waters & Company 



Page. 

Infringements of Patents 50 

Employer and Employee 51 

Prosecuting Cases Filed by Other Attorneys 52 

Patents for Compounds, etc 53 

Design Patent 54 

Trade-Marks 55-58 

Cost of Trade-Mark 59 

Trade-Mark Must Be Used Continuously 59 

Copyrights 59 

Labels and Prints 60 

Useful Facts about Patents 60-64 

The Sale and Promotion of Patents 64-67 

Approaching Your Purchaser 67 

Usual Terms of Purchase 68 

Our Lists of Patent Buyers 69 

Listing in the OflBcial Patent Oflfice Gazette 70 

The Value of Attorneys 71 

Danger in Delays . . ; 72 

PART III 

Foreign Patents 78 

Canada 78 

England. • • • •. 79 

France and Colonies 79 

Germany and Colonies 79 

Belgium 79 

Denmark 79 

Norway 79 

. Sweden 79 

Switzerland 79 

Portugal 79 

Spain 79 

Italy 79 

Russia 79 

Hungary 79 

Austria 79 

Turkey 79 

Mexico 80 

India 80 

Ceylon 80 

China 80 

Japan 80 

Cape Colony 80 

Natal 80 

Egypt 80 

Honduras 80 

Nicaragua 80 

Costa Rica * 80 

Cuba 80 

Jamaica 80 

Trinidad 80 

Barbados 80 

Bahama Islands 80 

Brazil 80 



Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C. 95 



Page. 

Argentine Republic 80 

Chili 80 

Peru 80 

United States of Columbia 80 

Australian Commonwealth 81 

Xew Zealand 81 

Special offer on Canada, Germany, France, Belgium, Great Britain. 81 

Combination Rates on Foreign Patents 81-82 

General Instructions 82 

Foreign Trade- Marks 82 

PART W 

How We Can Serve You 85 

Registered Patent Attorneys 85 

Our Members 86 

Our Methods 87 

Our Charges and Terms 87-88 

Our Credit System 34-36, 88 

Our Clients Recommend Us 89 

Patents and "Patents" 89 

We Are Noted for Our Promptness 89 

Coming to Washington 90 

How to Send Models, Sketches, etc 90 

Keeping in Touch with Manufacturers 90 

Refer Your Friends to Us 91 

A Final Word 91 

Testimonials from Clients 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 73, 74, 75, 76, 83, 84 

Notice to Manufacturers 92 

Minimum Charges 96 




MINIMUM CHARGES FOR MECHANICAL PATENT, 
PROCESS PATENT, DESIGN PATENT, REGIS- 
TRATION OF TRADE MARK, PRINT 
OR LABEL 

Tbe following charges are for cases of a simple nature only. 
Cases of a complicated nature requiring more than average time 
and thought will be charged for in proportion thereto. (See 
schedule of charges on page 33.) 

For a Simple Mechanical Patent 

Total Attorney's Fee $25 . 00 

One Sheet of Drawings 5 . 00 

Government Filing Fee 15 . 00 

Final Government Fee (payable any time within six 

months after allowance of application) 20. 00 

$65.00 

For a Process Patent That Does Not Require Dra^vings, 
or a Patent for a Compound or Composition of IVIatter 

Total Attorney's Fee $35 . 00 

Government Filing Fee 15 . 00 

Final Government Fee 20. 00 

$70.00 
For a Design Patent, Including Government Fee 

Three and one-half years $35 . 00 

Seven years 40. 00 

Fourteen years 55 . 00 

For Registration of a Trade Mark 

Total Attorney's Fee $15 . 00 

Government Fee 10. 00 

One Sheet of Drawing 5 . 00 

$30.00 
For Registration of a Label or Print, Including Gov- 
ernment Fee $15 . 00 

For a Copyright, Including Government Fee 5. 00 

For an Assignment of a Patent, Trade-Mark, Label 
or Print, or Copyright, Including Recording Fee, 
Minimum Charge 5 . 00 

See page 33 for complete schedule of charges and terms of 
payment, also page 35 explaining our 

CREDIT SYSTEM FOR INVENTORS 



JOHN LOUIS WATERS & CO. 

WARDER BUILDING WASHINGTON, D. C. 

NATIONAL CAPITAL PRESS, INC., WASHINGTON, D. C. 



liillfi^ CONGRESS 

019 973 ffsl 



^ 



